Early learning and childcare: induction resource

Note to mentors

It may take some time to build up a trusting relationship where the new recruit is able to share thoughts, feelings and progression. Take time at the start of this process to plan how this induction process will work for them. Remember each is an individual and will progress at different rates. You should develop your own timetable for this process, particularly for part time workers, or for those with limited previous experience.

The first month should encourage the new recruit to observe practice within the setting, develop confidence in practical skills and get to know procedures within the setting. Encourage them to provide examples from their practice and share your observations of them in practice. This induction should be used in conjunction with the on job guidance and support you will be giving. For each question, encourage the new recruit to reflect on how it affects outcomes for children. We have included some suggestions of what may be discussed in order to help you prepare. It is helpful for the new recruit to have a copy or link to the following documents to refer to for more information or for reference: Building the Ambition; Realising the Ambition; the Health and Social Care Standards; The Common Core; the Continuous Learning Framework; and the SSSC Codes of Practice.

To support mentors, useful resources include Step Into Leadership - which provides a range of mentoring tools to the wider social services sector- and the SSSC guide to mentoring in ELC.