Getting Ready for the New Academic Year: Early Years Culture
Next in the series of “Preparing for the New Academic Year,” we’re diving into organisational culture within nurseries and early years settings. We’ll explore how leaders and managers can shape and nurture the culture in their nurseries. In this article, we’ll talk about why having a strong culture is so important and how it impacts your nursery’s daily interactions and activities for staff, children and families. The end of the term is an ideal opportunity to reflect on your current practices and team culture. This is a great time to identify areas for improvement and plan small changes that can lead to significant improvements in the upcoming term.
Defining culture in nurseries and early years settings
Organisational culture in nurseries and early years settings refers to the shared values, beliefs, and practices that shape the environment and guide how everyone in the nursery interacts with each other. It’s the invisible thread that weaves together the actions and attitudes of staff, children, and families, creating a unique atmosphere in the nursery. This culture encompasses everything from the nursery’s mission and values to daily routines and how staff communicate and collaborate. A strong, positive organisational culture is crucial for a nursery’s success because it influences the quality of care and education provided to children and families. When the culture is nurturing and supportive, it creates a sense of belonging and wellbeing among children and staff, leading to a more harmonious and productive setting where everyone feels happy and valued.
The role of leaders and managers in shaping culture
As leaders and managers, you play a crucial role in shaping the culture of your nursery or early years setting. Your actions, attitudes, and decisions set the tone for the entire environment. You are the role models who demonstrate the values and behaviours that everyone in the nursery will follow. When you show enthusiasm, kindness, and a genuine commitment to the wellbeing of children and staff, you inspire others to do the same.
To be an effective leader, be approachable and open to feedback. Make everyone feel heard and valued—this creates a sense of trust and openness, which is essential for building a positive culture. Lead by example, showing respect, patience, and empathy in all your interactions. This helps create a caring and supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable to learn and grow.
By setting a positive tone and embodying the values you wish to see, you create a nurturing and productive culture that benefits everyone in your nursery. Your leadership shapes the future of your organisation; setting the right culture helps attract and retain staff whilst also making new families feel welcomed into your nursery.
Here are some practical steps to help you build this culture:
1. Set clear values, goals, and expectations:
Start by defining your nursery’s core values. What principles do you want to guide your setting? These might include kindness, respect, teamwork, or creativity. Communicate these values clearly to your staff, parents, and children. Establish specific goals that align with these values, such as enhancing communication or improving teamwork. Make sure everyone knows what is expected of them in their roles to achieve these goals.
2. Lead by example:
As mentioned, your behaviour sets the standard for everyone else. Demonstrate the values you want to see in your nursery through your actions. Show respect, patience, and enthusiasm in your daily interactions. Your positive attitude will inspire others to follow suit.
3. Encourage open communication:
Create an environment where staff feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns. Regular team meetings and an open-door policy can help achieve this. Listen actively and provide constructive feedback. When staff feel heard and valued, they are more likely to contribute positively to the nursery’s culture.
4. Invest in professional development:
Offer opportunities for your staff to grow and develop their skills. This could include training sessions, workshops, or attending early years conferences. Supporting your team’s professional growth shows that you value their contributions and are committed to their success.
5. Celebrate successes:
Recognise and celebrate the achievements of your staff and the milestones of the children. This could be through awards, shout-outs in team meetings, or even a simple thank-you note. Celebrating successes, big or small, helps to reinforce a positive and appreciative culture.
6. Create a welcoming environment for families:
Make sure families feel welcomed and valued from the moment they enter your nursery. Clear communication, regular updates, and opportunities for parents to get involved can help build a strong community. A positive culture that extends to families enhances trust and satisfaction. Find out how tools such as our ParentZone app can help you easily communicate with parents and caregivers.
Positive culture and the impact on staff and children
Building a positive culture in your nursery profoundly impacts your staff, creating a happier and more productive work environment. When staff feel valued and supported, their job satisfaction increases, improving overall morale. A positive culture where everyone feels appreciated encourages a sense of belonging and reduces stress, leading to happier employees who are more engaged and enthusiastic about their work.
Additionally, a strong culture enhances teamwork. When staff members share common values and goals, they are more likely to work together effectively, creating a cooperative environment that not only makes daily tasks smoother but also builds a sense of community within the nursery.
Investing in your staff’s professional growth is another key component of creating a positive culture. Offering opportunities for training and development shows your team that you are committed to their success. When staff feel supported in their career progression, they are more motivated and likely to stay with your nursery long-term. This commitment to professional development not only improves staff performance but also aids in recruitment and retention. Potential employees are attracted to nurseries that offer growth opportunities and a supportive environment, making it easier to attract talented individuals. Moreover, satisfied and engaged staff are less likely to seek employment elsewhere, reducing turnover and the associated costs of recruiting and training new employees.
The culture you build in your setting directly influences how staff interact with each other and the children in their care. This not only improves the working atmosphere but also sets a great example for the children, who learn by observing the adults around them. The way staff interact with each other significantly impacts the children’s experience. When staff are happy and unified, it creates a calm and nurturing environment for the children.
Measuring and sustaining your early years culture
Measuring and sustaining a positive culture in your nursery is essential for ongoing success and improvement. To start, it’s important to assess your current culture to understand what’s working well and what might need a bit of tweaking.
Consider conducting regular surveys or feedback sessions with your staff. These can be anonymous to encourage honest responses. Ask questions about their job satisfaction, their perceptions of the work environment, and how well they feel the nursery’s values are being upheld. This feedback will give you valuable insights into how your culture is perceived and where there might be room for improvement.
Observing daily interactions and the overall atmosphere in your nursery can also provide useful information. Pay attention to how staff members communicate with each other and with the children.
Once you have assessed your current culture, it’s important to focus on sustaining it over time. Regular evaluations are key to ensuring that your culture remains strong and aligned with your nursery’s values. Schedule periodic check-ins to review the feedback you’ve received and assess progress toward your goals.
Be prepared to make adjustments as needed. Culture is not static; it evolves with your team’s needs and your nursery’s changing dynamics. If you identify areas for improvement, take proactive steps to address them. This might involve implementing new initiatives, offering additional training, or revising certain policies to better support your staff.
Consistency is also crucial. Regularly reinforce the values and expectations you’ve set by leading by example and celebrating positive behaviours. Keep communication channels open and continue to engage with your staff to ensure they feel supported and involved in the culture-building process.
If you missed our webinar with early years experts and experienced hosts, Alison Featherbe and Jamie Victoria in our webinar ‘Creating a Strong Early Years Culture and Curriculum, you can catch up on it here.
We've launched a special blog series with a range of topics to help you prepare for the new academic year.
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About the Author
Content Marketing Executive at Connect Childcare