Early Years & Childcare Careers Service – We Listened!
During 2010/2011 many settings and applicants gave feedback about their experiences of using the Early Years and Childcare Careers Service and several changes have been implemented to ensure our service users’ recruitment and careers needs are met effectively.
You said…
Applicants sometimes fail to turn up to interviews without notifying the employer beforehand.
We did…
The Early Years and Childcare Careers Team now actively monitor applicants who do not turn up to interview. Each applicant is made aware of the implications of failing to contact the employer and is invited to give reasons for their non attendance. It is important that settings let the Careers Team know if any applicants do not turn up to interview so occurrences can be kept to a minimum.
You said…
Some of the applicants lived too far away from the setting and when invited to interview they are often not prepared to travel the distance.
We did…
The vetting process now involves checking how feasible the distance is for the applicant to travel to the setting before an application is submitted to the employer.
You said…
Some applicants do not have the correct knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job.
We did…
The Early Years & Childcare Careers Team provide an advisory service whereby the Recruitment Advisers can provide assistance in developing job descriptions and person specifications so applicants are aware of the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the role. The job description and person specification can be attached to the online advert, which will assist the Recruitment Adviser in effectively vetting the application forms.
You said…
The application form does not fully meet settings’ requirements as employment history dates and questions around number of days a candidate has had off sick are not included.
We did…
Employment history dates and details about number of days’ sickness are not included on the application form as this would contravene the Equality Act 2010. A Recruitment – Best Practice training course has been introduced to increase practitioners’ knowledge around employment law. Gaps in employment can be discovered either by asking overtly at interview stage or by including a closed question on the application form, such as, “Have you had any gaps in employment?” which can be explored in greater detail at interview stage if the candidate meets the selection criteria. This ensures that settings are safeguarding children whilst remaining legally compliant.
You said…
Applicants suggested that they would find it useful to have face to face advice on careers in early years and application or interview tips.
We did…
The Early Years and Childcare Careers Team offer face to face appointments with a Recruitment Adviser to discuss early years careers, filling out application forms and how to perform well in interviews. To book an appointment with a Recruitment Adviser please call 01245 438550 or email workingwithchildren@essex.gov.uk.
You said…
Applicants have commented that settings often do not notify them that their application has not been successful.
We did…
The Early Years and Childcare Careers Team advises all settings to notify any candidates who have not been shortlisted for interview that their application has been unsuccessful.
A lot of settings gave positive feedback about the efficiency and effectiveness of the Careers Service:
"An invaluable service for early year’s settings to recruit successfully and widely used by early years professionals in Essex looking for work."
(Caroline Clark, Seymour House Day Nursery)
"This is a valuable service, which is easy to use. It is a great service particularly for charitable pre-schools who couldn't afford the ridiculously high costs of recruitment advertising or agencies. Well done!"
(Jenny Scofield, Ardleigh Pre-school)