​Supervision Policy
Puddleduck Preschool recognises the need for regular and effective supervision of all staff that have contact with children and families. Supervision will provide support, coaching and training for the practitioner and promotes the interest of the children.  Supervision should foster a culture of mutual support, teamwork and continuous improvement which encourages the confidential discussion of sensitive issues.
Purpose of supervision:

• Review staff member’s work load
• Monitor progress and review the direction of their work
• Identify any gaps in training needs and skills in order to enhance professional development
• Celebrate work achievements
• A place to be challenged supportively and constructively
• Issues related to work are addressed
• Working practices are discussed
• Emotional well-being/work-life balance; a place for personal development
• Mutually agreed and acceptable boundaries

Employees can expect from supervision:

• A place where guidance is received
• To be challenged; a place to address actions and follow up
• That notes and records of the sessions are made and stored appropriately
• An assessment of training needs
• Support is offered
• That the manager has an understanding of the employee work and workload
• Acknowledgement and praise is received
• Work is discussed and targets agreed
• Discuss any issues – particularly concerning children’s development or wellbeing;
• Identify solutions to address issues as they arise;
• Receive coaching to improve their personal effectiveness

Procedure:

• Supervision meetings usually last approximately one hour.
• Supervision should take place in a private and uninterrupted space.
• If meetings have to be cancelled for any reason they should be rescheduled as soon as possible.
• Notice and relevant paperwork will be given to the employee prior to supervision meetings.
• Both parties should bring relevant paperwork to the meeting
• It is the manager’s responsibility to record the meeting and provide a copy for the employee and file appropriately.
• Both parties should sign the agreed paperwork. Ø A date for the next meeting should always be arranged before the end of the supervision.

Confidentiality:
Confidentiality will be maintained in accordance with our policies.
Working Guidelines for Good Practice: Creating the right Environment

• Regarding venue: be aware this is a professional relationship so that a private room booked well in advance is good practice; however if the space needs to be in a public place then ensure that the employee has input into the final decision.
• Ensure that refreshments are available.
• No phones or mobile phones around or on (unless in an agreed/notified personal emergency; these will be identified, expected, urgent, work-related calls).
• To ensure that supervision time is prioritised and not interrupted.
• Ensure that room layout and furniture creates a comfortable atmosphere for open communication.
• Put supervision times in the diary and inform other colleagues.
• Where possible, place a sign on the door where supervisions are taking place to avoid interruptions.
• Make sure that sessions start and finish at agreed times.
• Consider the time of day that sessions are held.

This policy was adopted by Puddleduck Preschool at a meeting held on:
Date _________________________
Signed on behalf of the Preschool __________________________________
Name of signatory ___________________________________
Role of signatory __________________________________
Review date _________________