Managing an early years setting has always been complex and challenging. However, in the current climate, the pressures placed on leaders are even greater as we try to negotiate these unprecedented times.
As settings start to reopen, leaders have extensive new guidance to adhere to and plan for changes never seen before in the early years. Children returning to settings and reuniting with their friends and staff is lovely to see. But behind all the smiling faces and new ways of playing, leaders have the challenging task of rebuilding their teams and re-motivating their workforce.
Many early years staff will have continued to work throughout the lockdown period, providing a vital role in supporting key-worker families and vulnerable children. At the same time, an equally high number of staff will have been furloughed when settings closed in March. I know of some settings where a small team of staff continued working throughout lockdown while others were on furlough. Leaders must now merge their teams and begin their journey towards the new ‘normality’.
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