Induction Tips for your Childcare Team
Induction Tips for your Childcare Team
A strong induction for childcare employees helps them feel confident, aligned with your values, and ready to support the children in their care. It is important to get it right as it is the first experience your team have of your nursery and brand so set standards and expectations from the start. This experience and clear process supports their journey, from interview stage right through to work commencing – and continuing throughout their employment to encourage a loyal and long term team.
Ahead of Starting
Welcome Pack
Send a welcome email or pack with key info: dress code, start time, team intro, parking, and what to bring (e.g., ID, lunch).
Prepare Their Space
Set up their locker, name badge, and any uniform or equipment they’ll need.
Assign a Buddy
Pair them with an experienced staff member to help them settle in, ask questions, and feel included. – not sure this is needed?
First Day
Warm Welcome
Greet them warmly, introduce them to the team and show them around the setting.
Health & Safety
Go through evacuation procedures, first aid, allergy protocols, hygiene practices, and emergency contacts.
Child Protection & Safeguarding
Highlight mandatory reporting policies, confidentiality, and code of conduct – signing where completed for your records.
Daily Routines & Schedules
Talk through naptimes, meals, play activities, transitions, and toileting procedures.
Behaviour Guidance
Explain how your setting promotes positive behaviour and how to respond to challenges.
First Week
Policy & Procedure Overview
Go through your handbook and ensure clear understanding with signatures for completion. Ensure your team have access to your policies (both for parents and staff) as an ongoing reference and keep them up to date.
Expectations and Support
Set clear expectations but encourage questions. Let them know who to go to for support.
Meetings and Milestones
If required to attend regular meetings ensure these are added to team diaries from the start, ensure regular 121s with managers and performance reviews including probation.
(Make a note to celebrate anniversaries and birthdays across the business).
Get their feedback
This is a great opportunity to seek their experience so far, they offer a fresh perspective both as a member of the team and for parents. Do they have new ideas or skills to develop specific areas for example? This can be face to face feedback or a quick survey can be developed for trends and annual review.
Ongoing Support
Weekly Check-ins
Regular chats to ask how they’re going, answer questions, and offer feedback.
Training and Development
Sign them up for mandatory training (e.g., First Aid, Child Protection), provide training for software and procedures related to their role, and let them know about ongoing personal development opportunities.
Encourage Reflection
Ask what they’re enjoying, what’s challenging, and how they feel about their role so far.
Bonus Tips!
Celebrate Their Arrival: Put a welcome sign in the staff room or introduce them in your newsletter.
Involve Them in the Program: Invite them to plan or lead small activities early on to build confidence.
Encourage Team Bonding: Team lunches, social events or coffee breaks go a long way.
For support with internal communications and more speak to Sprout!