Students

We want to encourage those wishing to pursue a career in childcare by welcoming students to join our staff team and gain valuable work experience within our setting. We will only accept 2 students at a time so that no undue pressure is on our staff and the running of the setting is not compromised.

 

Placements will be considered from students on a recognised childcare course or from students at secondary school seeking work experience.

 

All students will:

• Visit the setting for an interview
• Have their student induction and setting tour
• Have the opportunity to read and discuss relevant Health and safety and Safeguarding Policies
• Receive and sign a copy of the Student Agreement in readiness for their first day.

 

All students on placement will:

• Have an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before their placement begins
• Be supervised by a senior member of staff who will carry out their induction, explain the health, safety and fire requirements of the nursery and generally support them.
• Be supervised at all times by the member of staff assigned to them and will not be left unattended with the children. They may only be involved in personal or intimate care of the children if the manager is satisfied they are competent, responsible and know the children well enough. They will always be under close supervision while performing this task.
• Be supported to read and understand setting policies and procedures including Safeguarding Children and Child protection, Health and Safety, Inclusion and Equality, and Whistleblowing policies.
• Be required to keep to our Data Protection GDPR and Confidentiality policy
• Be visited by their tutor at the setting who will observe the student and chat with the Students supervisor to receive feedback about the student’s progress
• Be offered support and guidance as they carry out their role and will be given constructive, honest feedback about their performance, respectful of their individual abilities and needs
• Be provided with an accurate evaluation of ability and performance. This will also be given to the training providers and we will support students who are experiencing difficulties with development plans if needed
• Adhere to the same codes of conduct as permanent staff including timekeeping and dress codes
• Be encouraged to contribute fully to the nursery routine and to spend some time in every area.

 

To maintain parent partnerships, parents will be informed when students are present in the nursery e.g. via the parent noticeboard. Wherever possible this will be accompanied by a recent photograph of the student

 

In some cases, we may include students on long term placements (aged 17 and over) and staff working as apprentices in early education (aged 16 and over) in our staff: child ratios. This will be the discretion of the manager and only will only occur when the manager is satisfied the student/apprentice is competent and responsible.

 

 

 

Young workers

 

Young workers and Apprentices are a vital part of our setting as we seek to shape the workforce of the future. Therefore, at times there may be students from a variety of educational establishments on placement within the nursery.

 

The EYFS (2021) sets out the requirements for young people working in a setting and we will adhere to these requirements at all times.

 

“3.30. Only those aged 17 or over may be included in ratios if they are suitable, as in paragraphs 3.9 to 3.11 (and staff under 17 should be supervised at all times). Suitable students on long term placements and volunteers (aged 17 or over) and staff working as apprentices in early education (aged 16 or over) may be included in the ratios if the provider is satisfied that they are competent and responsible.”

 

Any young person in the setting under the age of 18 is considered a child by law, therefore we will be vigilant towards their safety and well-being. Each young person will have a named supervisor who can support their well-being. Any safeguarding concerns will be dealt with according to our Safeguarding Children and Child Protection Policy’s procedures.

 

We expect our young staff to:

• Read, understand and adhere to all policies
• Take part in our ongoing staff suitability procedures. Declare any reasons why their suitability to work with children may change during their placement
• Share any safeguarding concerns they may have with their supervisor or the safeguarding officer
• Maintain a high standard of work, behaviour, appearance and attendance whilst with the setting
• Undertake a full induction conducted by the setting
• Access training as required by the management
• If studying whilst with the setting, undertake all tasks required by the tutor to keep up to date with the course. If your coursework falls behind at any point, your placement in the setting will be at risk
• Help to ensure that the setting environment is safe and secure for all children at all times and report any issues as they arise
• Help with the day to day running of the nursery by completing tasks given by your supervisor and management
• Take part in staff meetings and all staff training as required by the setting.

 

 

 

This policy was adopted on	Signed on behalf of the nursery	Date for review
24/02/2025	I Cernychiene	08/2026