“It’s our polite nudge in the ribs to help you and your team stay organised and on task.”
This week’s subject is Staff induction
Element 7.1.3: Roles and Responsibilities
Roles and responsibilities are clearly defined, and understood, and support effective decision-making and operation of the service
Does your Service ensure a detailed and thorough induction process for all staff, ensuring they become familiar with all Service operations, routines, policies, and procedures, empowering them to perform their roles and responsibilities at the highest standard?
Ensure you follow a detailed staff induction checklist, so all areas are covered. Allocate time to induct new staff during non-face-to-face time throughout the start of their employment at the Service. Consider allocating a support educator to assist the new staff member throughout their early stages of employment.
Your staff induction process and checklist should include:
- documents to provide to the staff member, such as Job Description, Staff Handbook, National Employment Standards, core policies and procedures that staff must be familiar with before their first day, contract of employment, Code of Conduct etc.
- a tour of the physical environment
- review of the daily routines
- planning cycle routines and location of documentation
- cleaning procedures and routines
- safety checks
- art/craft supplies and storage
- sporting and outdoor equipment and storage
- children with additional needs, allergies, asthma and anaphylaxis and location of medical management plans
- family law/parenting orders
- WHS and reporting procedures
- staffing arrangements, including rostering, shift responsibilities, breaks, lockers, tearoom/staff area, toilet, sign in/out procedures, staff communication, use of mobile phones etc.
- emergency information including emergency evacuation procedures, location of fire extinguishers and blankets, location of Safety Data Sheets and emergency contact numbers, First Aid Kits etc.
- administration of medication procedures and location of forms and medication
- food safety, storage, and hygiene procedures
- digital logins and use of Service software
Parent/Management Committees:
It’s equally important to have an induction process for Management Committee Members. Providing Committee Members with crucial information will ensure they’re aware of their roles and responsibilities and the format of general meetings and AGMs. Your Service may engage Committee Members in professional development covering Management Committees roles and responsibilities as the approved provider and information about the NQF.
Resources:
The Sector- Everything you need to know about inducting a new ECEC employee
Boards & Committees online training
Within System7 go to Quality Are 7/Module 28 to submit self-assessment notes and if required, open a QIP issue if you identify any areas of improvement.
The Childcare Centre Desktop has a range of resources to assist services with staff induction. These include a New Employee Induction Checklist, New Committee Member Induction Checklist, Staff Handbook, New Employee Documentation Checklist, Probation and Staff induction Policy and much more.
Resources, NQS Element, Regulation and System7 links
Childcare Centre Desktop – Childcare Centre Desktop
National Quality Standard – QA 7/ 7.1.3- Roles and responsibilities
National Regulations – 84, 168, 170
System7 Module – QA 7/ Module 28
If you have any questions send us a note via the Contact page here!
