For many nursery managers, July offers a rare chance to breathe. The school year winds down, ratios may ease, and the frantic pace of spring inspections and parent events slows. But what if this quiet season is your best opportunity to future-proof your setting with planning your training?
Creating or refining your plan now can set your team – and your children – up for a confident, capable September. Here’s why the summer slowdown is exactly the right time to plan ahead.
Why a Training Plan Matters
A well-structured plan ensures that every team member is developing the right skills at the right time. It helps avoid last-minute scrambles for CPD hours and ensures your setting is always inspection-ready.
More importantly, a good plan fosters a culture of continuous improvement. When staff know what’s expected and feel supported to grow, you see better retention, stronger performance, and a more consistent experience for children and families.
Spotting Gaps Before September
Summer is the ideal time to assess your team’s strengths and the gaps. Are your apprentices on track? Is everyone up to date on safeguarding? Do you have enough SEN knowledge across the team?
A quick skills audit in July can give you clear direction for your training plan. It allows you to address urgent needs while mapping out longer-term goals based on your curriculum, your cohort, and staff aspirations.
Making It Practical and Personal
A plan isn’t just a spreadsheet of courses; it should be a living tool that aligns with the real world of your nursery.
Tailor training around your setting’s daily routines and challenges. That might mean short refresher sessions during quieter hours, supporting staff through apprenticeships, or setting team-wide goals linked to your next Ofsted inspection.
The more relevant the training feels, the more impact it will have.
Training Now Saves Time Later
It’s tempting to postpone training until the autumn rush has passed but by then, you’re likely managing new starters, transitions, and higher occupancy.
Investing time now to implement or update your training plan can reduce stress later. Staff start September with clarity, confidence and the skills to meet the demands of the year ahead not playing catch-up.
Free Tools to Get You Started
To help you take action, Shoots Training offers free CPD planning templates for nurseries. Whether you’re creating your first training plan or refreshing an existing one, our tools help you:
- Track completed training
- Set monthly goals
- Identify priority areas by role or room
- Plan apprenticeships and short courses around your needs
They’re simple, flexible, and designed by people who understand how busy nursery life really is.
A Strong Start Begins Now
Building a full proof plan in summer might not feel urgent but it’s one of the smartest moves you can make as a nursery leader. It gives you control, clarity, and confidence going into the new term.
At Shoots Training, we’re here to help you plan smarter, train better, and build a setting where both children and staff thrive.