Top tips: Time management and prioritsing tasks

Effective time management helps the team stay calm, responsive and focused on what matters most: the children. As a nursery manager, leading good practice in prioritising tasks supports staff well-being and the effective running of the nursery.    

Top tips for time management and prioritising tasks  

1. Keep the child at the centre 
   Reinforce that children’s safety, well-being and learning always come first. Other tasks should flex around this priority 

2. Plan the day collaboratively 
   Encourage teams to discuss daily priorities during briefings so everyone is clear on key tasks, responsibilities and any anticipated challenges 

3. Differentiate between urgent and important 
   Support staff to recognise what needs immediate action versus what can be scheduled for later  

4. Use clear routines and timetables 
   Consistent routines reduce wasted time and help staff anticipate transitions, allowing tasks to be completed more efficiently 

5. Break tasks into manageable steps 
   Large tasks can feel overwhelming. Model how to split them into smaller actions that can be completed during quieter moments 

6. Promote teamwork and delegation 
   Encourage staff to support one another and share responsibilities, using individual strengths to complete tasks effectively 

7. Build in reflection time 
   Allow space for staff to review what worked well and what didn’t, helping them improve their time management skills over time 

8. Lead by example 
   Model calm organisation, realistic expectations and healthy boundaries to show that effective time management supports both quality practice and well-being. 

NDNA products to help you with this tip

• Effective Team Leadership - Face to Face Training

• Leadership and Management - Face to Face Training

• Supporting Staff Well-being and Resilience. - Face to Face Training