Staff Development and Training Policy - College Nurseries

1. Policy statement

   • 1.1.  Leicester College recognises that its staff are fundamental to the success of the organisation. A strategic approach to developing staff, enables the College to attract and retain a high-caliber workforce with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver its objectives and be an excellent provider of education and training to the local community.

   • 1.2.  The promotion of equal opportunities is fundamental to Staff Development. The in-service education and training activities will comply with Leicester College’s Equality and Diversity Policy and EDI Strategic Objectives.

   • 1.3.  ThePolicyshouldalsobereadinconjunctionwithLeicesterCollegeContinuing Professional Development Policy

2. Aims and Objectives

   • 2.1. Continuing Professional Development objectives will be linked to EYFS standards.

   • 2.2. To promote the interests of the children and maximise their development, learning and achievement.

   • 2.3. To secure the objectives of the nursery as set out in the Development Plan.

   • 2.4. To support the career development of all staff in the nursery.

   • 2.5. Within these overall aims,CPD also exists

     • to encourage the development and use of appropriate teaching/learning methods and techniques in response to on-going change.

     • to enable staff to broaden their knowledge and skills in caring for children.

     • to ensure staff are equipped with the skills to foster an inclusive environment

       that meets the diverse needs of all children effectively.

     • to enable staff to understand their roles and responsibilities

     • to involve staff in effective planning and curriculum development.

     • to develop co-operative methods of working and to improve

       communications.

     • to encourage greater participation in the decision-making processes in the

       nursery.

     • to maintain, within the resources available and in conjunction with Leicester

       College strategic objectives, the entitlement of all staff to continuing

       professional development.

     • to support the effective performance of existing duties.

     • to prepare staff for advancement in this nursery or elsewhere.

     • to enhance job satisfaction.

3. Procedures

   • 3.1. We regularly review the quality and effectiveness of the provision through the self-assessment process. Such reviews, which focus on the quality and effectiveness of the children’s learning and development, their levels of achievement and the extent to which the quality standards set out by the EYFS are being met, are matched against the Nursery’s overall objectives (Curriculum Statement) and those set out in the Development Plan. The various Staff Development needs identified are considered and priorities agreed at appraisals, one to ones and team meetings.

   • 3.2 To facilitate the development of staff, Nursery Managers and Leicester College Staff Development Team:

     • Coach, lead and role model with staff, and offer encouragement and support to achieve a high level of morale and motivation

     • Promote teamwork through on-going communication, involvement and a no blame culture to enhance nursery practice

     • Provide opportunities for delegation based on skills and expertise to offer recognition and stimulate staff

     • Encourage staff to contribute ideas for change within the nursery and hold regular staff meetings and team meetings to develop these ideas. Regular meetings are also held to discuss strategy, policy and curriculum planning.

     • Encourage staff to further their experience and knowledge by attending relevant internal and external training courses

     • Encourage staff to pass on their knowledge to those who are less experienced and disseminate knowledge from external training to small groups of staff within the nursery

     • Carry out ongoing one to ones with all staff. Staff appraisals are carried out every year where objectives and action plans for staff are set out, whilst also sourcing training according to their individual needs

     • Support employees to identify and own their CPD and to ensure targeted development of knowledge, skills and performance.

     • Provide regular feedback on achievement of personal goals and objectives, including any career aspirations.

     • Regularly discuss development opportunities with their staff and make decisions about which activities will be agreed using a consistent and fair approach.

     • Use a range of appropriate developmental mechanisms including learning walks, sampling activity, work scrutiny feedback and discussion to identify and support personal and professional development needs.

     • Ensure that staff complete their mandatory training on time.

     • Promote a positive learning culture within the nursery

     • Cascade information and hold internal training events

     • Provide inductions to welcome all new staff and assign a mentor to coach and support new staff

     • Offer on-going support and guidance

     • Offer to staff varied information sources including access to relevant online information, national publications and literature.

4. Communication and review

   • 4.1 This policy will be shared with parents and reviewed every three years.