Barnsley Early Start and Family Services
Leadership
Leadership is about being able to inspire others, having a clear vision, thinking creatively, having a problem-solving approach to difficulties, and a commitment to partnership working.
In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) it's about leading others, learning and innovation in ways that are practical and creative.
As a registered early years provider you should keep up to date with relevant changes in national and local requirements. This will help you to meet the legal requirements of the Childcare Act 2006 and associated regulations, in order to remain registered.
The EYFS statutory framework sets the standards for the care and education of children in the early years age range. It includes learning, development, assessment, safeguarding and welfare requirements for children until the 31 August following their 5th birthday.
The importance of strong and effective leadership in enabling settings to achieve a good or outstanding Ofsted rating can be seen in their report achieving and maintaining high quality early years provision: getting it right first time.
The early years inspection handbook includes details of how early years providers will be inspected and judged. The evaluation schedule and grade descriptors explain the observations and evidence that are expected to be seen.
Leading others
For organisations to be successful, the potential of each person needs to recognised. To be successful it's important to have clear objectives and be creative, to have confidence, be self-critical and to be supportive to others.
Leading a team involves creating a 'can do' culture - taking calculated risks and demonstrating that learning from mistakes is acceptable, rewards success and develops personal accountability that's supported by collective responsibility.
Recruitment and selection
Recruitment and selection in the early years workforce is a vital area with regards to safeguarding as well as learning and development. The keeping children safe in education guidance supports providers to make sure they recruit suitable staff members. This guidance takes into account legislation, as well as examples of where things have gone well, and instances where issues have arisen.
You can read more about staffing and recruitment here.
Supporting managers in the early years sector
Managing a team can be a challenge at times and in particular circumstances, but there's help available.
ACAS provides information, advice, training, conciliation and other services for employers and employees to help prevent or resolve workplace problems.
Qualification checks
The early years qualifications list provides guidance and a search tool to help those delivering the EYFS identify qualifications that are considered to be full and relevant at levels 2 and 3.
Support from us
Leaders and managers have many roles and responsibilities in addition to staffing. Take a look at the sections below to find out how we can help provide you with support.
- Business support – business planning, marketing, starting up and financial planning.
- Funding – Early Years Pupil Premium and free entitlements for 2, 3 and 4 year olds.
- Health and safety – food standards, risk assessing and the benefits of risky play.
- Safeguarding in early years settings – safeguarding audits, who to contact, the latest poster, Early Help, and confidentiality including GDPR.
- Training and CPD – what's on offer and where to find it.
For more information
Call us on 0800 034 5340 or