Nursery and Childcare Staff Employment Contract

What a good one includes

• A precise definition of the job title, required early years qualifications, and the specific age groups the employee is qualified to care for.
• Explicit clauses detailing the employee's mandatory duty to report safeguarding concerns and maintain up-to-date background checks.
• Clear terms regarding shift patterns, overtime, and the flexibility required to maintain legal staff-to-child ratios during operating hours.
• Strict guidelines prohibiting the sharing of children's photos, personal details, or family information on personal social media accounts.
• Provisions outlining who covers the cost of mandatory training, such as pediatric first aid and food hygiene certifications.
• Expectations regarding physical fitness to safely supervise active children, lift equipment, and handle daily emergency evacuation procedures.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Relying on a generic corporate template that fails to address industry-specific regulatory requirements like pediatric first aid or safeguarding duties.
• Forgetting to include a clear clawback clause for training costs if an employee leaves shortly after the nursery pays for their expensive early years qualifications.
• Being vague about shift flexibility, which can prevent you from legally adjusting schedules to meet fluctuating staff-to-child ratio requirements throughout the day.
• Neglecting to outline strict policies regarding the use of personal mobile phones and cameras in areas where children are present.

Frequently asked questions