Starting a new job. Help please!

Starting a new job. Help please!

by: SHartley1 - 18-10-12 20:32

Hello,

I have recently been offered a job in a nursery to cover maternity leave for around 6 months starting the 5th Nov. I will be based in two rooms being a key person to around 4 children in each room.
I had a long induction today (went through all general stuff, look around, and basics on children's profiles) but I'm worried that I'm not going to grasp everything quick enough.
I have done an early childhood studies degree but have spent most of my time in schools and have little experience in nurseries apart from general supply work. I have had to do observations, planning and evaluations for my assignments at university but never in a work environment. So I'm a bit nervous about the responsibilities im going to have and whether im going to be good enough.
Im wondering if anyone could give me any advice please, or tell me a bit about their experiences in starting a job? Any thing will be very much appreciated!
Thank you in advance :)

by: grumpymum

Can you ask to shadow another member of staff in each room for a few days so that you can see how everything works in practice? I would concentrate on getting to know the children initially and presumably the other staff in the rooms will take the lead on routines etc, while you are settling in.  You should have confidence in your experience doing supply work as it has probably taught you much more that you realise.

Good luck with the job!

by: bagpuss

When I take on new staff as part of safer recruitment they have to work alongside a mentor for six weeks and are never left unsupervised at all. So my point is there should be some one to ask.