The Fit 'n' Fun staff team set itself the challenge of achieving Gold Standard Investors in People accreditation this year, which it did in March, the first nursery in Cornwall to do so.
The team attributes its success to a commitment to training and development and fully believes that having a highly qualified and experienced staff team ensures that the children in their care also have better outcomes.
Management works hard to recruit the right person for each vacancy and to offer them quality training to meet the needs of the children and their families and fit in with the staff. Candidates undertake work experience before being offered a position, then have a four-week induction process, followed by professional development support through consultation, mentoring and coaching. This has led to a low staff turnover.
The nursery's Strategic Service Plan is shared with all employees. This helps to improve staff engagement with the business, because everyone then understands how their work directly contributes to the company's high-level goals.
Management ensures the staff team is trained to above the minimum standards, leading to practitioners confident in their work and children cared for in a happy environment. Staff form strong bonds with each other, children and parents. Training sessions are open to parents and staff cascade their knowledge to them, such as baby massage techniques.
The team always aims to stretch itself. Local and national awards include Excellence in training and development, Outstanding achievement of an apprentice and Management Entrepreneur of the Year (on three occasions).
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Auden Place Community Nursery, Camden, London
The small, close-knit staff team has turned the fortunes of a loss-making nursery into one that is thriving and growing. Staff loyalty and morale are high and everyone takes ownership of policies and procedures. Flexible hours allow staff to undertake further training and fit work in with their studies.
FINALIST
The Co-operative Childcare, Oxford
Criterion
Open to early years and childcare services who have built a high-quality staff team through good practice in recruitment and retention, training and career development.
Sponsored by willow cottage nurseries
