Chapter 1
This is a significant process designed to equip you with the knowledge and connections you need to thrive in your new role. We understand that starting a new job can be overwhelming, so please don't hesitate to reach out to your Education Manager if you require any support or clarification at any stage.
We encourage you to take your time, absorb the information, and enjoy the beginning of your NERPSA journey. Remember, this is an opportunity to build relationships with your new colleagues and become familiar with the unique culture of your service. We want you to feel welcomed and supported from day one.
Onboarding
You will have already completed the initial onboarding process prior to commencing your employment. This essential step involves providing key information to establish your employment with NERPSA. This includes supplying your bank account details, nominating your superannuation fund, providing tax file number information, completing details for your staff record, and carefully reading and signing your Letter of Employment and the NERPSA Code of Conduct. These documents are crucial for ensuring a smooth start to your employment. If for any reason you need to access or re-submit any of these documents, you can find them on the Forms page or via the NERPSA App.
Orientation
Service orientation is a vital step in helping you integrate into your specific early childhood service. The orientation checklist, available for download here, outlines the key components of this process.
This checklist should be completed by you and your Nominated Supervisor or a representative from your early childhood service. It covers essential aspects of your new role and environment, including introductions to all staff members, familiarisation with the physical environment, and being shown important safety information and procedures specific to your service.
To claim time spent on the orientation, please submit an Additional Hours form.
Induction (You Are Here)
You are currently undertaking your NERPSA Induction. This comprehensive program is designed to familiarise you with our organisation's values, policies, procedures, and culture. It's a key part of your probation and a valuable resource for your ongoing professional development.
To claim time spent on the induction (up to 8 hours), please submit an "Additional Hours" form. We value your feedback and encourage you to share any suggestions for improvement to the induction program.
Probation:
All new employees are subject to a probationary period.
For staff employed under the Victorian Early Childhood Teachers and Educators Agreement (VECTEA), this is 12 weeks wholly within term time.
For staff employed under the Children’s Services Award (CSA), this is 3 months.
The probationary period may be extended by agreement between yourself and NERPSA for a further period not to exceed 6 months from your commencement date.
Probation Process:
You will be notified of your probation timeframe in your Letter of Employment.
Your assigned Education Manager will visit you in your service/s, observe your performance, speak with you and your Nominated Supervisor/Educational Leader, and then provide a report with recommendations to the Human Resources Manager.
Your probation will be deemed a success if you have completed all Induction and Probation Tasks and if you have received appropriate feedback from your Nominated Supervisor/Educational Leader and Education Manager. You will then receive a letter from the Human Resources Manager advising you of successful completion.
If the outcome of your probation is under question, you will receive a letter from the Human Resources Manager outlining a plan to support the successful completion of your probation.
Support During Probation:
During your probationary period, your dedicated Education Manager will provide ongoing support by:
Visiting you at your service for regular check-ins.
Offering guidance and answering any questions you may have.
Identifying opportunities for growth and suggesting relevant training or resources.
Please Note:
The probationary period is a two-way street. It allows NERPSA to assess your suitability for the role, and it also allows you to determine if NERPSA is the right fit for your career goals. During this period, you may choose to leave NERPSA without notice. NERPSA may also terminate your employment at any time before the expiration of this period by following the guidelines outlined in the relevant Award/Agreement.
Professional Development Plan (PDP):
Following the successful completion of your probation, you will begin working on your Professional Development Plan (PDP). This plan will be developed in consultation with your Educational Leader and Education Manager, focusing on your ongoing professional growth and development.
