In early childhood education, maintaining consistent staffing is essential—not only for smooth operations but also for the safety, wellbeing, and development of the children in your care. Peak periods such as school holidays, festive seasons, and long weekends often present unique staffing challenges, from last-minute leave requests to increased demand from families. So, how can you ensure your centre remains fully staffed and running efficiently during these critical times?
Here are some proven strategies from SOS:
1. Forecast Staffing Needs in Advance
Start by reviewing your attendance trends and historical data. Look at:
- Family bookings during previous holiday periods
- Typical educators leave patterns
- Local school and public holiday calendars
From there, create a staffing forecast. This lets you identify gaps early and make arrangements well in advance.
2. Build a Reliable Casual Pool
One of the most effective ways to maintain consistency is by having a dedicated pool of casual educators you can call on when needed. These should be individuals who:
- Are familiar with your centre’s routines and children
- Have up-to-date training and relevant clearances
- Can step in at short notice with minimal onboarding
Tip: Consider using a workforce partner that allows you to build your own dedicated casual pool—giving you control over who you book while maintaining compliance and flexibility.
3. Offer Incentives for Peak Period Shifts
Peak periods often coincide with times when educators also want to take leave. Encourage coverage by:
- Offering bonuses or gift cards for working public holidays or school breaks
- Providing flexible shift options
- Recognising and celebrating staff who go above and beyond during these times
Creating a culture of appreciation makes a big difference.
4. Communicate Leave Policies Clearly
Ensure your team knows the expectations around taking leave during peak periods. This includes:
- Clear timelines for submitting leave requests
- How leave is approved (e.g., first-come-first-served or rotational fairness)
- Any black-out periods where leave is restricted
When everyone knows the process, planning becomes more transparent and fair.
5. Use Technology to Your Advantage
Digital rostering systems and workforce platforms like Entire OnHire can simplify managing last-minute changes and give you a real-time view of availability. These tools also allow educators to confirm shifts quickly, saving you valuable time.
6. Plan for the Unexpected
Even with perfect planning, unexpected absences happen. Having a backup plan is key. That could include:
- Pre-booking a few casuals “on standby”
- Cross-training educators so they can step into various roles if needed
- Keeping your casual pool informed and engaged year-round
Being proactive helps you stay one step ahead.
Your centre’s reputation and daily operations depend on having the right people in the right place—especially during peak periods.
If you’d like help building your own dedicated casual pool or learning more about how as a childcare recruitment agency, Save Our Service can support your staffing needs, get in touch with us!