Early Years launches new Governance Resources

New Governance Manuals

The following three new governance manuals are available to buy in the Early Years online shop.

  • Early Years Governance - Finance

  • Early Years Governance - Employment of Staff

  • Early Years Governance - Support and Supervision of Staff

The manuals are online at £8.00 with a 20% discount for members. Please use the Members discount code found in the members area under benefits.


Early Years Governance - Finance

One of the most critical roles in governance is to ensure your setting is on a sound financial footing for the short, medium and long term.  No matter how big or small your budget is, it is vital that all members of the management committee have a clear understanding of finances and that they exercise appropriate control over income and expenditure. 

This manual is designed to help groups understand the main financial considerations they should take into account when managing their settings.  Sound financial control will help ensure that your setting is solvent, well run, attractive to funders and sustainable for the long term.  An understanding of the importance of financial planning and decision-making will also help settings use their financial resources well for the delivery of the best outcomes for children. 

Content includes information on:

  • Financial control

  • Setting a budget

  • Cash flow projections

  • Reserves

  • Accounts

  • Keeping the books

  • Income

  • Expenditure

  • Bank reconciliation

  • What to do if you encounter problems

  • Payment of salaries

  • Fraud


Early Years Governance - Employment of Staff

This manual is designed to help settings understand the main employment issues which they are likely to encounter when they employ staff.  Staff may be the greatest cost to your organisation but they are undoubtedly also its greatest asset and are the key determining factor between successful and unsuccessful settings.  Early Years strongly believes that as well as making sure you fulfill your legal duties, you should also treat your employees in a positive manner which reflects the values of the work that you do.  We strongly believe that this in turn will help your setting produce the best possible outcomes for the children and families with which you work. 

Content includes information on the following topics: 

  • Staff Terms and Conditions

  • Pay

  • Sick Pay

  • Managing Absence and Sickness

  • Health and Safety

  • Working hours and breaks

  • Leave

  • Flexible Working

  • Overtime and Time Off In Lieu (TOIL)

  • Trade Union Rights

  • Managing Performance

  • Disciplinary Procedures

  • Pensions

  • Redundancy


Early Years Governance - Support and Supervision of Staff

It is often said that our staff are our most important asset and even though it is a cliché, it is completely true. Staff are the defining factor which marks great settings out from merely adequate ones. That is why understanding staff support and supervision is so important.

 This manual will examine all aspects of staff support and supervision from induction to appraisal with the objective of developing a system which supports the best performance possible in the interests of your setting and the children and families it serves.

 The manual covers areas such as Performance Management Systems Understanding of Support and Supervision

  • Induction of New Employees

  • Probation Process

  • Supervision Meetings

  • Appraisal Meetings

  • Training and Development