School induction programs should be engaging, supportive and informative. Make sure your new starters feel welcomed and prepared for their new position, because it can be a scary time starting a new role.
Pre-Induction
Sending out welcome packs with key information prior to their start date can help the new starter understand more about the school and ensure they feel well-prepared for when they arrive on their first day.
Things to include;
General Information
- Mission Statement
- Visions and Values
- Organisation Structure
- Dress Code
- Contact Information
- Induction Day/Week Schedule
Online Portal Access
- Log in
- Email Address
- Portal Training – The portal is essential as the portal the new starter has used previously might not be the same as the portal currently used within your school.
Mentor or Buddy Scheme
- Assign one of your team to act as a “buddy” to provide guidance and support to your new starter – having someone supporting during the induction period can help the new staff member know who they can go to when in need
Including these will make the induction process smooth for the new starter and make them feel at ease.
The first day – Welcome session
Meeting with the headteacher
- About the school
- Achievements
- Visions
Having a welcome session on the first day when the new starter arrives is essential. This is where you can go into more detail about the school and your vision for the future. It helps make the new starter feel included from the beginning of their work journey with your school.
Meet the team
- Admin
- Head of Departments
- Support Staff
Making sure the new starter is aware of who the key staff members are and where they are based within the building is key! The buddy can help with this too.
Tour
- Facilities
- Classrooms
- Library
- Canteen
- Staff Room
It’s all about making them feel at home, and knowing your way around a building makes a big difference to that.
Briefings
Health and Safety;
- First Aid
- Emergency
- Fire Procedures
Policies and Procedures
- Being clear about policies and procedures will allow the new starter to know what is in place and what needs to be achieved in certain situations
Curriculum Overview for Teaching Staff
- Teaching methods
- Assessments
Observing other teaching staff gives the new starter a chance to see what other teaching styles teachers use that they might adapt to their teaching style. This will also give the new starter an opportunity to understand the curriculum and the assessment methods used within that school. Doing this will provide new starter classroom management strategies that they may not have and allow them to pick up other teachers’ discipline methods and techniques for the students.
Non-teaching staff
- Workload and procedures
Give any non-teaching staff an introduction to their role, processes, activities they need to undertake, any specific software systems they will need to use, etc.
Activities/ Training
- Team building
- Ice breakers
Feedback Sessions
- Questions
- Concerns staff might have
The most important thing is to make the new staff member feel welcome and able to ask questions without judgment. Having a buddy and a clear induction checklist will provide structure to their first day and weeks in post.
As their line manager, follow up with regular one-to-one meetings to discuss objectives for the first few months and to ensure any questions they have can be answered.
If your induction process needs some work, get in touch with our team of experts who can help support you to build a first-class induction process for your school.