September is a busy time for early years settings. New children and families may be joining your nursery, existing children may be moving rooms, staff may be returning from annual leave, routines that have been more relaxed over the summer are starting to take shape again.
For nursery managers and owners, there’s another important item to have on the September checklist: staffing.
Having the right people in place can make a significant difference to how smoothly your setting navigates the start of the new academic year.
Why is September such an important time for early years staffing?
The beginning of a new academic year often brings change.
Children move between rooms, new starters arrive and staffing requirements can shift. Even a small change in your numbers can have an impact on your team’s workload and daily routines.
That’s why it’s worth reviewing your staffing needs before September gets into full swing.
A well prepared team means your staff can focus on what matters most: providing a safe, supportive and engaging environment for children.
1. Review your current staffing levels
Start by taking a realistic look at your current team:
- How many children are expected to attend?
- Are there any new starters joining?
- Are children moving into different rooms?
- Do you have staff returning from holiday or leave?
- Are any team members planning to leave?
- Do you have enough qualified staff across each room?
- Are there periods of the day when your team is particularly stretched?
It’s important to look beyond simply having enough people on the rota.
Also consider whether you have the right skills, qualifications and experience distributed across your setting.
2. Plan for unexpected staff shortages
Even the best staffing plan can be disrupted – illness, emergencies, unexpected absences and last-minute changes can leave a nursery short-staffed.
Having a contingency plan in place can help reduce the pressure on your existing team.
Consider creating a list of trusted temporary or agency staff who can step in when needed.
Having access to reliable childcare professionals can give managers greater flexibility and help prevent unexpected absences from putting additional pressure on the rest of the team.
3. Think about staff wellbeing
September can be exciting, but it can also be demanding.
New children may need additional support settling in, practitioners may be managing new routines, and workloads can increase during the transition period.
It’s important to check in with your team and make sure staff feel supported.
Simple steps can make a difference:
- Encourage open communication
- Make sure staff understand their responsibilities
- Check that workloads are manageable
- Give team members opportunities to raise concerns
- Recognise good work and achievements
- Make sure new staff receive appropriate support and induction
In our experience, a supported team is more likely to feel confident, motivated and engaged.
4. Don’t wait until you have a vacancy to recruit
One of the biggest recruitment challenges for childcare settings is trying to find staff when you urgently need them.
By that point, managers can be under pressure and existing staff may already be stretched.
Instead, think ahead.
If you know that your setting is likely to need additional practitioners over the coming months, starting the recruitment process early can give you access to a wider pool of candidates.
It also gives you more time to find someone who is the right fit for your setting rather than making a rushed hiring decision.
5. Focus on quality, not just filling a vacancy
When you’re short-staffed, it can be tempting to focus solely on getting someone through the door.
However, the right recruitment decision should consider more than availability.
Think about whether a candidate has:
- The appropriate qualifications
- Relevant childcare experience
- A genuine passion for working with children
- Strong communication skills
- A good understanding of safeguarding
- The ability to work effectively as part of a team
- The attitude and values that fit your setting
A good team isn’t simply a collection of qualified individuals. It’s a group of people who can work together effectively and share a commitment to providing high-quality care and education.
6. Consider temporary staffing solutions
Permanent recruitment isn’t always the only answer. Temporary or agency staff can provide valuable flexibility when your staffing needs change.
For example, you may need additional support:
- During particularly busy periods
- To cover staff sickness or absence
- While recruiting for a permanent vacancy
- During the settling in period for new children
- While waiting for a new team member to start
Using temporary staff can help you respond to changing circumstances without putting unnecessary pressure on your permanent team.
7. Work with a specialist childcare recruitment agency
Recruiting can take a considerable amount of time from advertising vacancies and reviewing applications to interviewing candidates and checking suitability.
Working with a specialist recruitment agency can help make the process more manageable.
At KiddyKare, we specialise in childcare and education recruitment, giving us an understanding of the skills, experience and qualities that settings are looking for.
Whether you need support finding permanent staff or additional temporary cover, working with a specialist recruitment partner can help you respond to your staffing needs more efficiently.
Is your nursery ready for September?
September will always bring some element of change, but having a strong staffing plan can help your setting approach the new academic year with confidence.
Take the time to review your staffing levels, plan for potential absences, support your existing team and think ahead about future recruitment needs.
Most importantly, don’t wait until a staffing shortage becomes a crisis.
If your nursery or early years setting needs support with recruitment, KiddyKare is here to help. Get in touch with our specialist childcare recruitment team to discuss your staffing requirements and find out how we can support your setting.
Speak to our friendly team today – call us on 01628 675828.
Author: Jodi Walden
