A key element of managing childcare staff is to give truthful and constructive feedback about their performance. Annual appraisals are crucial to this task, but in a busy nursery environment it is easy to forget to give them the attention and preparation they deserve.
Simon Jones, acting chief executive of Investors in People (IiP), says, 'Recruitment and retention of qualified and skilled early years workers is a growing issue within the childcare industry. Employees will inevitably favour organisations that can offer training and development to improve their skills, as well as an environment where they feel they are integral to the success and direction of the business.
'Annual reviews can be hugely beneficial to both employer and employee, identifying areas for development as well as ensuring the employee feels motivated, engaged and part of the organisation's success.'
According to a recent IiP report, nearly 44 per cent of employees who received appraisals didn't feel their bosses were honest with them, and 29 per cent felt they were a waste of time. Even in the voluntary and education sectors, where 57 per cent felt their boss had been honest and upfront, there is some way to go.
Anna Hanks, early years director at Acorn Training, believes that appraisals are essential for those in childcare and covers them in all the company's management courses. She says, 'Appraisals are often the only tool you have to get proper, formal feedback from staff.'
Why, then, do many managers overlook the importance of appraisals or only give them a half-hearted effort?
Investing time in someone
One problem is that giving a performance appraisal can be just as unnerving as receiving one, especially for less experienced managers.
Ms Hanks advises, 'An appraisal shouldn't be when things that have never been mentioned are brought up - that's when they fall down. Issues should always be tackled as and when they arrive.
'I think people have a more positive outlook if appraisals are done properly. It shows that you are investing in a person by saying "I have this time set aside for you."'
She stresses that preparation is key. 'If you are new to management, then my advice would be to get some training so you have confidence to achieve your goals. Plan for it, perhaps by having a set list of points for you and your staff member to work through. Come prepared, and always make sure there are lots of positives as well as negatives.'
Further information
- Acorn Training offers short-course childcare training in all early years and management areas. Visit www.childcaretraining.co.uk.
