Ask the Experts: Recruiting staff

We are expanding our nursery and need to recruit new staff. What works best?

It is always best to recruit staff who have a positive attitude and are willing to understand the ethos of your service. Have a staff member on your interview panel who can help tell the story of your organisation. All panel members should receive training so they manage the interview process fairly and correctly.

Give careful consideration to the wording of the job ad, including interview dates and salary details. Forge relationships with colleges and try to attend their careers open days. 

When it comes to interviewing, clarify what you want. If you want to check literacy skills, you might ask them to fill in an accident sheet. To see how they would plan an activity, give them a box of toys to create a learning activity. If they are going to be invited to visit the nursery, consider what you want to see and also prepare the rest of the staff.

Recruitment is a costly process, particularly if you fail to recruit or get the wrong person. So never forget the importance of induction, because many people tend to leave within the first six months of a new job. 

Answered by June O'Sullivan, chief executive of the childcare charity and social enterprise, the London Early Years Foundation

Email questions, marked “Experts”, to cypnow@markallengroup.com