Leadership and management
Supervision
Supervision is mandatory for all staff who work with children in the Early Years Foundation Stage, including all those in maintained schools, non-maintained schools and independent schools.
This requirement can be found in the Statutory Framework for EYFS:
3.22 - Providers must put appropriate arrangements in place for the supervision of staff who have contact with children and families. Effective supervision provides support, coaching and training for the practicioner and promotes the interests of children.
3.23 - Supervision should foster a culture of mututal support, teamwork and continuous improvement, which encourages the confidential discussion of sensitive issues
Supervision meetings should provide opportunities for staff to:
- Discuss any issues - particularly concerning children's development or wellbeing, including child protection concerns
- Identify solutions to address issues as they arise
- Receive coaching to improve their personal effectiveness
Providers should consider that:
- A supervision policy is in place and shared with all staff
- A senior member of staff is appointed to lead on supervision and hold regular meetings with all EYFS staff
- Regular supervision meetings are carried out throughout the year, recorded and treated confidentially
- Annual targets from appraisals are discussed and reviewed through supervision and changed or adapted as necessary
The Early Years Advisory Team have created a Supervision Toolkit (PDF, 286 KB). This guidance reflects the statutory guidance set out within EYFS 2024, Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 and also The Early Years Inspection Handbook 2024.
The guidance has been designed as a framework to support Early Years Providers to review and shape their own policies and procedures for supervision.
Supervision training is available via the Warwickshire Early Years Hub.
Supervision guidance and support is also available via The Key.
