This is an interesting topic and is being discussed this morning on the Channel 5 Jeremy Vine show.
If a shift starts at 9am do you turn up to work at 9am, take off your coat and put your items into a locker and then go to whatever room you are working in? Or do you come to work at 8.50am, take off your coat and put your items into a locker and then go to whatever room you are working in?
Why should you come to work earlier if you are not being paid to? I personally feels that it is better to get to work slightly earlier as it saves you rushing around trying to do all that you need to do and getting to your room late and out of breath. It also makes you look professional and will make you stand out and be considered for any promotions that arise. If you leave your home on the last possible bus or train that will take you to your nursery and then you find yourself sitting in traffic you will become stressed and anxious and potentially late.
Working in childcare you are expected to be in your room at the start of your shift mainly because of ratios. It is important that ratios are kept in all rooms and due to lateness other people may need to step in i.e. management which then stops them carrying out their duties.
Being late means the expected walk in the park for the children or other activities will not happen as the room will be out of ratio. Children will get upset and become disappointed and the staff already there will have to deal with this which is not fair!!
It can also distract the children from doing an activity as they may stop what they are doing and come running over to you.
Being on time at your nursery, preschool, Montessori or similar is important for all of the above reasons and lastly it makes you a respected member of your team.