This toolkit was commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE), based on user research carried out by TPXimpact. The toolkit has been created for local authorities, schools and academies and private, voluntary and independent sector (PVI), including childminders.
This document provides guidance on recruiting and retaining staff for wraparound childcare, which refers to before and after school care for primary school children in England. It covers several key aspects:
- Identifying and attracting candidates, including understanding existing workforce skills, highlighting job benefits, and targeting specific groups like students or parents.
- Creating effective job advertisements, including what to include and where to post them.
- Interviewing techniques, including sample questions and using a recruitment matrix.
- Onboarding processes, including necessary checks and creating a consistent experience.
- Retention strategies, such as regular check-ins, job satisfaction surveys, and investing in personal development.
- Supporting staff working with children who need additional support, including SEND training.
- Adapting to staff turnover and using exit interviews to improve processes.
The document also includes case studies from wraparound childcare staff, providing real-world examples of career paths in the sector. Overall, it emphasizes the importance of flexible recruitment strategies, clear communication, and ongoing support to build and maintain an effective wraparound childcare workforce.