You can download the digital awards book here
The Nurture Nursery’s biggest asset is its staff team, which has grown from three to nearly 20 members since the nursery opened five years ago.
The nursery’s ethos encourages staff to be themselves and understands the value in each individual. When advertising and interviewing staff, time is spent understanding the applicant’s story and considering those who are not yet qualified. This approach has benefited the setting by bringing in people with different experiences which are celebrated and shared with the children.
For example, one member has a Master’s in playwriting and provides creative opportunities to develop storytelling with the children. Another has a degree in the history of art and uses this to curate artistic opportunities for the children.
A carefully developed induction programme for all practitioners, including bank staff, includes training on the nursery’s ethos, pedagogy, risky play, attachment-led practice, as well as more practical areas of knowledge. This lays a good foundation for understanding how the setting operates and helps people feel they belong.
Appraisals are conducted in a 360-degree manner where staff are asked to offer insight on how they have helped each other in the past year and provide constructive feedback. There is also a holistic approach to goal-setting, including holding a life coaching session where staff had support to think about their broader needs and set goals to support their own happiness.
By investing in staff with paid sick leave, carers leave and training days, management help ensure that everyone feels valued and supported. Management hold weekly room meetings for joint planning and reflection and also meet frequently with staff individually to ensure they feel confident in their role.
Staff training is encouraged, and staff are also encouraged to take ownership of an area of their choosing, such as risk assessments.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
The Sunflower Children’s Centre – Hyde
Sunflower recognises that a skilled and knowledgeable staff team is essential for providing high-quality care and education to children. The setting embraces a mentoring culture, where new or less-experienced staff members are paired with experienced colleagues who provide guidance, share their expertise and offer continuous support.
Leadership skills are nurtured among the team, and programmes and workshops are offered, while team-building is blended into staff meetings, focused on knowledge sharing.
FINALIST
• Hitchin House Day Nursery – Hitchin
CRITERION
Open to early years and childcare services that have built a high-quality staff team through good practice in recruitment and retention, training, and career development.
