First Day Cover at a New Nursery

Safeguarding Tips for New Staff: stay calm, use distraction techniques, keep children safe and report incidents immediately.

REAL-LIFE SCENARIO: SAFEGUARDING

Situation:

You’ve just accepted a same-day booking via Kalendit and arrive at a new nursery you’ve never worked at before. The manager quickly introduces you to the toddler room and asks you to supervise children alongside the room leader while she deals with a staff emergency. Within minutes, two children start fighting over toys and hit each other while another child tries to force their way out of the room.

What should you do?

•⁠ ⁠Calmly comfort the upset children using soothing words and distraction techniques. Make sure they each have a toy they like to play with to avoid conflict. Explain gentle hands and gentle words are the best ways to be friendly and happy in the nursery.

•⁠ ⁠Ensure the child who was trying to leave remains safely in the room—gently redirect them, and explain they cannot leave the room at the moment for safety reasons and if needed, block the exit (safely and kindly).

•⁠ ⁠Immediately inform the nursery manager or a permanent staff member about the situation.

•⁠ ⁠Follow any safeguarding and supervision protocols you’ve been briefed on, or ask for clarification if unsure.

•⁠ ⁠Document the incident if required by the nursery’s policy.

Pitfalls to Avoid:

1.⁠ ⁠Not asking for a quick orientation:

Even if rushed, always request a basic rundown of the nursery’s layout, key contacts, and emergency procedures.

2.⁠ ⁠Assuming all nurseries do things the same way:

Policies, routines, and safeguarding protocols can differ. Never assume—always ask.

3.⁠ ⁠Neglecting to verify your own credentials:

Present your ID, Right to Work and Enhanced DBS check on arrival to build trust with the nursery team.

4.⁠ ⁠Not reporting incidents immediately:

Even minor issues (like a child trying to leave the room) should be reported right away, not at the end of your shift.

5.⁠ ⁠Overstepping your role:

Don’t administer medication, discipline children, or handle incidents outside your training or the nursery’s policy.