Windsor Montessori Policies

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Induction Policy V3

 

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References:

Licensing Criteria: GMA105

 

Statement of Intent:

Our preschool is shaped not only by our philosophy but it is also greatly influenced by the people that make up our preschool community. This induction policy has been developed to create a sense of belonging within our preschool community to ensure continuity of quality standards and clarify individual roles and responsibilities for newly appointed kaiako and students.

We recognise that our preschool has a core responsibility to provide adequate supervision and on the job training to promote safe work practices

 

The aim of our induction and orientation program is to: 

• Assist the employee, student or volunteer to settle in and become familiar with our preschool and therefore adapt to the job more quickly

• Ensure that any new employee, student or volunteer receives accurate information about the preschool policies and procedures, their role and the expectations of the employer

• Provide opportunities to answer any questions and allay any concerns the new employee, student or volunteer may have

• Assist the new employee, student or volunteer to carry out their tasks effectively 

• Build the employee, student or volunteer’s confidence and commitment to the preschool

• Provide introductions to kaiako, parents/whānau/caregivers and tamariki

• Create a sense of belonging and well-being

• Reduce stress by providing a staged process of induction to the preschool’s policies, routines and other procedures and minimise “information overload”

• To underpin further professional development

 

The Head Kaiako will: 

• Arrange opportunities to visit the preschool

• Complete an orientation checklist

• Ensure the inductee has a copy of their employment contract and job description and address any questions they may have in regard to these documents, their working arrangements and the preschool’s expectations of them

• Clarify any details in regard to probationary periods and provide information about the Professional Growth Cycle Policy and Procedures 

• Discuss employment procedures such as method of salary payments, taxation forms

• Provide new kaiako with a copy of the parent information booklet; statement of philosophy; and any other work guidelines

• Discuss and highlight important policies and procedures with particular reference to work, health and safety; supervision; child protection, health and hygiene procedures; confidentiality and privacy

• Advise kaiako about communication with the head kaiako

• Show kaiako around the preschool and highlight key safety and health features such as fire extinguishers; evacuation plans; fire exits; and first-aid kit storage

 

On-going communication and support

• The head kaiako will follow up with kaiako regularly after the original induction to address any further questions and check if they are settling happily into the preschool.

• The head kaiako will continue to provide support and ensure the maintenance and continuity of the preschool’s practices and policies until the kaiako has completed their probationary period, or the head kaiako considers they are fully settled into their position.

• New kaiako will be encouraged to write down any questions they would like to discuss, which will be addressed by the head kaiako at regular kai mahi hui.

 

Inducting Relief or Casual Kaiako

Relief kaiako may be required to care for tamariki as soon as they arrive at the preschool with limited time to familiarise themselves with the preschool’s environment, policies and procedures. In this case the Head Kaiako will go through the induction checklist for Relief Kaiako which provides information on the important information, procedures and practices that the relief kaiako needs to be immediately aware of i.e. emergency procedures, location of dangerous products hazards and first-aid. Where possible the preschool will maintain a list of permanent relief and casual kaiako that have undertaken the full orientation process.

 

Inducting Whānau

Parents enrolling their tamaiti at preschool will go through an induction process with the Head Kaiako/Manager. This process will provide parents with important information around communication and consultation, involvement, accessing information concerning their tamaiti and health and safety processes at the preschool.

 

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Date: Term 3 2025

Next Review Date:  Term 3 Term 2027​​​​