![Educator sitting on a child's chair, resting their chin in one hand and looking off in the distance](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_views_304_x_304/public/2024-04/shutterstock_2253981607%20800w.jpg?itok=P3usoCpL)
Question: I keep hearing about how there aren’t enough educators and teachers. What can we do to stop this affecting our children’s service?
Answer: Whilst there isn’t a magic fix-all, there are some steps you can take to keep your workforce strong.
![Three educators enjoying a conversation, one is holding a folder](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_views_304_x_304/public/2024-02/iStock-467924184_Three%20Teachers%20in%20a%20Nursery%20Classroom%20in%20Discussion%20stock%20photo%20-%20Copy.jpg?itok=LUywgqqR)
Question: What's the best way to get a new team connected quickly?
Answer: By creating a sense of belonging.
![Educators with notepads sitting around a table having a conversation](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_views_304_x_304/public/2023-10/iStock-643365488%20Educators%20having%20a%20conversation_0.jpg?itok=7Qpl6aY-)
Question: I’m finding it hard to engage some educators in the programming and planning cycle, especially those who work part-time or casually. Any tips?
Answer: Involve all educators from the start, and support, assist and mentor them along the way.
![An educational leader sharing instructions with an educator](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_views_304_x_304/public/2023-02/iStock-522150110_Unposed%20group%20of%20creative%20business%20people%20in%20an%20open%20concept.jpg?itok=AilH6w_6)
Question: How do educational leaders fulfil our weekly and monthly duties while we are having to spend so much time working with children?
Answer: Allocating set non-contact time is crucial for educational leaders.
![Muslim female mentoring her female colleague, pointing towards an open laptop](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_views_304_x_304/public/2022-03/iStock-1182933872_Asian%20muslim%20female%20mentor%20teaching%20caucasian%20intern%20explaining%20computer%20work%20stock%20photo.jpg?itok=RqUM92u5)
Question: I’m the educational leader, but am struggling to mentor and support our educators because they just see me as ‘checking up on them’ and get defensive.
Answer: Set yourself up for success by setting long term goals
![Woman with eyes closed, contemplating her next move](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_views_304_x_304/public/2022-03/iStock-515643880_Contemplating%20her%20next%20move%20stock%20photo.jpg?itok=9-f1pwBP)