Top tips: Supporting new staff
A supportive start for new staff can help them feel confident and valued and know your expectations from day one. Consistent guidance helps practitioners settle faster, follow routines more accurately and build stronger relationships. This early support boosts quality of practice, improves teamwork and can help to reduce stress and staff turnover. Here are some tips to support you.
Top tips for supporting new staff
- Plan a warm welcome – greet them personally, introduce key people from the team and give a tour of the premises so they feel expected and included
- Assign a mentor/buddy – one named person for daily questions and reassurance during the first few weeks
- Keep the first day simple – focus on essential routines (safeguarding, arrivals, mealtimes, ratios) rather than everything at once
- Share the staff handbook and other key policies (not too many at once to avoid overwhelm)
- Ensure they are clear about safeguarding routes – who the DSL/deputy DSL are, how to report concerns, where forms/processes are kept
- Model best practice – let them observe other staff in action as they settle children, during transitions, supporting children who are upset, etc.
- Micro-goals – agree two or three realistic goals for week one to build confidence
- Schedule quick check-ins throughout the first weeks to spot worries/concerns early
- Give bite-sized feedback – be specific and kind. Discuss what went well, why it worked and next steps
- Introduce families with support – you or another staff member can stand alongside them at drop off/pick up to help build confidence in communicating with families
- Celebrate small wins – notice and name progress, for example, “You handled that transition very calmly” to motivate and strengthen their sense of belonging.
NDNA products to support you with this tip
Effective Leadership and Management – online course
Effective inductions – digital publication
Disclaimer: Activities with children must always be risk assessed, including for allergies or choking. Children must always have adequate supervision. Resources and materials must always be appropriate for children’s age and stage of development.
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