Induction checklist for placement providers

Thank you for supporting practice-based learning at York St John University.

A well-planned induction helps students settle into their placement, understand expectations and maximise learning opportunities from the outset.

This guide outlines the key areas that should be covered during the induction process and can be adapted to suit the needs of your organisation and placement setting.

Before the placement starts

• Confirm placement dates and working hours
• Provide details of the placement location, reporting arrangements and parking availability
• Share relevant contact information
• Inform the student of any dress code or equipment requirements
• Arrange access to systems, identification badges, or security passes where appropriate
• Notify relevant team members of the student's arrival

First day induction

Welcome and introductions: 

• Introduce the student to the team
• Explain staff roles and responsibilities
• Provide a tour of the workplace
• Provide student with somewhere to safely leave their belongings
• Highlight essentials – toilet, kitchen, fire exits
• Identify key contacts and supervisors

Health, safety and wellbeing:

• Fire safety procedures and evacuation routes
• First aid arrangements
• Incident and accident reporting procedures
• Lone working policies (where applicable)
• Infection prevention and control procedures
• Personal safety and wellbeing support

Organisational information:

• Overview of the organisation and services provided
• Organisational values and standards
• Confidentiality and information governance requirements
• Equality, diversity and inclusion policies
• Safeguarding procedures
• Professional conduct expectations

Placement learning

Expectations and objectives:

• Review placement learning outcomes
• Discuss student learning needs and goals
• Agree expectations regarding attendance, punctuality and communication
• Explain supervision arrangements
• Discuss opportunities for observation, participation and independent learning

Documentation:

• Review any placement documentation or assessment requirements
• Explain processes for recording attendance and absence
• Confirm how feedback will be provided

During the placement:

• Schedule regular supervision meetings
• Provide constructive feedback throughout the placement
• Encourage reflection and discussion
• Support the student to identify learning opportunities
• Raise concerns promptly where necessary
• Celebrate progress and achievements

If concerns arise

If a concern arises during placement, students and providers should communicate as early as possible. Most issues can be resolved through timely discussion and collaboration between the student, placement provider and University team.

For placement-related support, please contact the relevant placement coordinator or academic tutor at York St John University.