If you’re a childcare or children’s activity provider, we know that it can often feel like there is always more admin to do. One of those tasks might be setting up and maintaining a system for staff supervision.
We know it is important for safeguarding and good team management, and that it is a requirement if you are on the Childcare Register or Early Years Register. But where to start?
In this article, we’ll share an overview of staff supervision including Ofsted and Early Years Foundation Stage requirements. We also have a free staff supervision form template that you can use and adapt for your needs.
Ofsted and EYFS statutory framework requirements for staff supervision
If you are a childcare provider on either the Childcare Register or Early Years Register, staff supervision is a requirement. You could also be asked about it during an Ofsted inspection. It is good practice to have staff supervision arrangements in place. This is for all staff who have contact with children and families. The extent of staff supervision needed is slightly different for the two registers. (3)(4)(8)
The Childcare Register Ofsted requirements (3)(4) that staff supervision can help with includes:
- a system for checking qualifications
- providing and arranging training, including safeguarding training
- a system for making sure everyone providing childcare is suitable
- complaints policy and investigation
Those on the Early Years Register have to follow the EYFS statutory framework. (8) There is a framework for group and school-based providers. And another for childminders. Ofsted inspections will look to see that the EYFS statutory framework is upheld. The EYFS statutory frameworks have requirements for staff supervision (6)(7) which includes:
- Support, coaching and training for staff and promoting best interest of children.
- Fostering a culture of teamwork and support.
- Continuous improvement of individuals that includes space for confidential discussion of sensitive issues.
- Opportunities to discuss any issues (including child protection concerns). Also to identify solutions and receive coaching.
- Maintaining quality of work and assuring competence.
Staff supervision template
Download our free childcare provider staff supervision template here. You can adapt and use this to fit your needs for staff supervision.
More staff supervision templates
Here are some more staff supervision templates that may be of use:
Staff supervision template on Twinkl
Staff supervision form from Bristol Early Years
EYFS staff supervision template from Cambridge County Council
Staff supervision agreement template from Devon County Council
Additional benefits of staff supervision
There are many benefits of staff supervision. This means it is a process that can not just fulfil legal requirements but actively improve and grow your business. There are many benefits to staff supervision. These include ensuring a safe working environment and safe space for children. Also, it supports the development of staff and increases the quality of their work and productivity. Staff supervision can also create a positive work culture. It helps to alleviate workplace pressures on staff, too. It is also an important element of a safeguarding policy and complaints policy. (9)(10)
What should be included in staff supervision meetings?
A staff supervision should include pre-prepared questions and discussion topics. This can provide structure to your staff supervision meetings. And ensures that it meets Ofsted and EYFS requirements. It also helps ensure it is of maximum benefit to you and your staff. There are a few topics you could address in a staff supervision meeting. These include training, professional development, concerns and safety, objectives and teamworking. You want to aim to identify both strengths and weaknesses. Staff supervision can then celebrate successes and address concerns. (2)(6)(7)
It is good practice to give each employee time to prepare ahead of the meeting. Perhaps, ask them to fill out a self-assessment before meeting with them. You may also want to have a staff supervision agreement. This outlines what staff can expect and how a staff supervision will work. This could become part of your standard onboarding for new staff.
It is also good to have staff supervision meetings scheduled at regular intervals. You will also want to keep records of each staff supervision meeting. (3)
FAQs
What is Ofsted?
Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. They inspect services that provide education and skills for all ages. They also inspect and regulate services that care for children and young people. They inspect childcare providers on the Childcare Register and Early Years register. (3)(11)
What is the Early years foundation stage (EYFS)?
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to the age of 5 years old. Schools and those on the Early Years Register must follow the EYFS. (5)
Which Ofsted register should I be on?
If you are looking after children from birth to the 31st August after their fifth birthday you need to be on the Early Years Register.
If you are looking after children from 1st September after their fifth birthday to their eighth birthday, you need to be on the Compulsory Childcare Register.
There is also the Voluntary Childcare register. This is for those looking after children aged 8 and over who would still like to register with Ofsted. (1)
How to write a staff supervision?
To write a staff supervision, start with taking a look at the requirements needed for your company. If you are a childcare provider, you will need to check the Ofsted requirements and the EYFS statutory framework to see what you are required to do. You also want to take into consideration what will be most beneficial for your employee and you as the employer. You can then write up a staff supervision based on these. This is usually done through a form that staff can fill out, often with a section for the employer.
It is common practice to have a formal meeting with the employee to go through the form. You can then discuss in more depth and conclude on next steps. You may want to include sections on training and professional development. Along with teamwork and collaboration, and quality of work. . It is also a chance to raise any issues or concerns. This may include any safeguarding and child protection concerns. Where there are concerns, you want to identify solutions. (3)(4)(6)(7)
What does the EYFS say about staff supervision?
EYFS statutory framework outlines that childcare providers have a responsibility to ensure appropriate arrangements for the supervision of staff. This is anyone who has contact with children and families. You can read the requirements for staff supervision in the EYFS statutory framework. This includes providing training and support to staff. Also, fostering teamwork, raising any concerns and identifying solutions. (6)(7)
What is supervision in a childcare setting?
Supervision in a childcare setting involves having the appropriate arrangements in place for the professional development and supervision of staff. This is anyone who has contact with children and families. This should be a regular, recorded process. It is required for those on the Childcare Register and the Early Years Register. It is part of the EYFS statutory framework and may come up during Ofsted inspections. (3)(4)(6)(7)
References
- Childminders and childcare providers: register with Ofsted, gov.uk
- Framework for the regulation of providers on the Childcare Register, gov.uk
- Carrying out Childcare Register compliance inspections, Ofsted, gov.uk
- Daycare providers on the compulsory Childcare Register: Ofsted requirements, Ofsted, gov.uk
- Early years foundation stage, gov.uk
- Early years foundation stage statutory framework: For group and school-based providers, 11 October 2024, Department for Education
- Early years foundation stage statutory framework: For childminders, 11 October 2024, Department for Education
- Statutory guidance: Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework, Department of Education, gov.uk
- Why supervision is important in the workplace, Ardent Safety
- The benefits of supervision – an employer’s perspective, Dr Noreen Tehrani, Health & Care Professions Council
- About Us, Ofsted, gov.uk
