EYFS Chaos

[fringeandtrainers]

I have just started a new job leading an EYFS unit up North and the place is in absolute chaos. A series of half systems, staff entrenched in doing things 'their' way (not many good ways yet tbh) and children who are left to it. I also have two teachers to manage who are not very reflective, one seems on the edge of a nervous breakdown and the other just seems to shun all responsibility. I am regretting taking on this job as it has already taken over my life and I have no idea where to start. We are supported by a SIP who I will be seeing on wednesday but I am finding the chaotic element of it all rather overwhelming. I have tried to sort a few things like lunches, timetables and resources but woah.... I am all up for suggestions to add to my ever increasing action plan.

Sounds like you need a routine. Plan one and edge towards it. Routine can't be embedded overnight, but each day you can get closer. Maybe start with how you want the first 30 mins of the day to look, and progress from there.

Do you have good LSAs? It a nursery and reception class? Maybe focus on one first rather than changing both at once.

Make a list of all the things that need to change, divide them into:
Urgent
Important
Can wait.

Then look at your urgent list and suggest some ways that they could be tackled.

EG the teacher in the verge of a breakdown needs counselling and support which the school should organise.

Then sit down with your sip and SLT and work these into a plan.

Also, identify your people within the team.

Allies that you can get on board to help things change, people that will go with the flow, people who will actively get in your way.
Have you asked why one of the teachers shuns all responsibility? Is she also overwhelmed by the chaos? Has she tried to help in the past and had her fingers burnt? It's worth a frank conversation.

I've been in this position twice in my career and it isn't easy but it can be very rewarding eventually.

The key is to stick to your plan and not to get dragged down by endless discussions about things that aren't particularly important.

I narrowly missed out on getting a job similar to how you describe! Even during the interview the eyfs unit was horrific!

I would ask for a meeting first of all with your head and discuss your concerns re the teachers..there may be background there you need to know.

Then have a phase meeting with all staff... discuss as a phase what everyone feels works well, what needs to change.. if you disagree on something justify why..you are the lead for a reason..

Remind staff of their roles and responsibilities..delegate where possible.. be open to discussion and ideas..

Remind everyone that you are a team and need to work together to ensure the children get the early years education they deserve.

ah these are all so helpful. I've got a huge list ready for monday and i'm going to eat the elephant in small chunks.

How are things going @fringeandtrainers ?

@Ivy83 Thanks so much for checking in. I have the day 'off' today as I am still waiting for a PCR test (24 hours later.....)
I think it is a little better in some ways but I need to make an action plan. It still has this chaotic, frenetic vibe that I am not here for.
Also some genuine concerns about how SEN children are treated/referred to (evidenced by language in reviews etc)
I have had my time sucked away trying to sort tapestry (of all things - its awful!) and the baseline assessments
The teaching staff (thats teachers and teaching assistants) definitely still wander around a bit without a solid purpose (PLAY)
Trying to figure out my next move, what I can make a solid impact with.

I am very thankful we still do paper Learning Journeys!!

Glad you feel things are a bit better but yes, does sound like a clear action plan is needed. Do you do appraisals for the team? We had an across the board target around ‘Interacting or Interfering?’ By Julie Fisher so spent some staff meeting time on elements on this and it was the focus of all observations of staff in an attempt to focus people more when supporting (not supervising!) the children. Still needed to be clear it didn’t mean just stand back and don’t interact else you are interfering but it helped as it was what everyone was focusing on.

It is hard when you join an established and well settled team, I began by tweaking anything logistical that just didn’t make sense or made life harder. I always explained why and initially approached it in a ‘I was thinking…’ kind of way unless people resisted but then it became a ‘we are now going to…’. It is tiring though!

I wish you lots of luck and do keep us updated how you get on (when you have time!)

I am doing appraisals for the two teachers - I think I am going to make a plan and share with them the condensed version of it. Really want to see the children fly so desperate to get going! Thank you for all your advice, so kind.

That’s sounds like a good plan. Having all three of you singing from the same hymn sheet should surely help. Hope nothing came across as teaching you to suck eggs! Just sympathising which how hard it can be.

Wanting the children to fly is what it’s all about! Just sadly this can get lost in how things have always been done or how people prefer things. Good luck!

Are you familiar with Planning in the Moment (Anna Ephgrave). I find this has helped to give staff at the Nursery I work at more of a sense of purpose if they were not confident in their interactions within the children's play, and developed their awareness of the positive impact they can have on the children's learning. Could be a focus for some training for your team maybe.