Calling School Office staff - help me with refresh our induction pack for new joiners

[sinclair]

I am putting together an induction pack for new members of staff at our school, and looking for ideas as to what should be included.

At the moment we have nothing set up - so I will be putting a selection of policies, a who's who of staff and leadership team, term dates and school day, their own timetable (secondary) - what am I missing?

What would have been most useful when you started or what do you give out that you think new staff really appreciate?

Many thanks, all thoughts welcome!

Map of the school?

Who to contact in the case of practical problems (IT, caretaker).

Photocopier code, where they are. How to get resources printed/laminated.

How to log onto SIMs etc.

I've just written a staff handbook this holiday.

Has a section on communication- practicalities like email/ location of notices etc and also qualitative (try not to be an arse etc).

School vision statement, ethos and aims.

CP/ safeguarding procedures
Staff dress code
Absence procedure
Fire/ health & safety stuff
School closure procedure
Outline of school day/ week (meetings etc)

It's 15 pages so quite a bit!

I have put an 'induction tick list' at the back which covers the first 3 months in post and I am going to collect it in from new joiners as a record of their induction.

Behaviour policy in an easy to follow format

I worked at a school Where (after three months or first half term) a member of SLT would ask 'What could we do better?' They really valued the fresh ears and eyes and they picked up some Good ideas and the newbie felt valued....

In view of the gangsters-and-jailbait wardrobe choices of some of last year's NQTs, a section on Professional Dress might be usefully included...

Thank you all so much - some great ideas on here.

I am going to suggest the What could we do better - I am thinking 'first four weeks' - it's a bit outside of my remit but it is such a good idea, plus if I give them Lowdoor's tick list we can collate data over time. As you say it makes everyone feel valued.

Interesting on the dress code - ours has just been moderated (having had an early look at the policy on Friday) and has stepped down from 'skirt suits' (really) to 'professional dress' - I will be hanging on to my posh jacket collection that I have carefully collected from sales various - but do agree some gentle guidance there would be good - maybe one for the induction buddy to cover.

Anyway - thanks so much to all - it will be produced next week as has to be ready for Tuesday 1st!!