Bringing some Hygge to Supervision Meetings

The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum states that every member of staff must have appropriate supervision meetings with a member of the leadership or management team. Nursery managers must also have these with perhaps their nursery owner or the management committee or local authority.

 The purpose of the meetings is to support staff and their needs, identify the progress and development of the children, discuss any safeguarding concerns and celebrate success. The meetings also offer a good opportunity to deepen connections and relationships and be a time for self reflection.

 How can we embrace more Hygge in them?

Equality

Being equal is a key part of the Danish culture and so when organising a place for the meeting to take place makes sure it’s somewhere neutral. For example not in a managers office as this way it eases some of the stress staff might have with going into a leaders space.

We also want to make sure that there is shared responsibility for the meetings and therefore both members of staff should be involved in filling out any paperwork.

Calmness

Try and organise a space that’s quiet and full of natural light. Display some flowers in a vase, perhaps play some quiet relaxing music in the background and organise some comfy chairs. You might even light a candle and turn off the harsher strip lighting and go for lamps instead.

Wellbeing Needs

Offer some water on the table as our throats often get dry when we’re talking away! A biscuit or some cake would be a lovely gesture too.

Organisation

Make sure you’ve planned in sufficient time for the meeting. This is an important time to discuss needs and it shouldn’t be rushed or full of interruptions.

Self Reflection

As the supervision meetings offer a good opportunity to reflect on needs, successes and future goals why not invest in getting your staff a Hygge Journal? There are dedicated spaces in here to focus on goal setting, recording training opportunities, planning as well as reminders and prompts for wellbeing. Helping your staff with a 360 degree of themselves. Pick up a Hygge Journal here!

Tension

Put an end to any tension or conflict by saying ‘OK, we’ve discussed this, we will review it again in a few weeks, for now let’s focus on what we have in common…’

 Next steps

Plan in some regular staff get togethers that don’t involve you talking about work. This might involve going for tea and cake, a wellbeing walks after work or a bowling trip.

To find out more and become a Hygge in the Early Years setting click here