Tips on getting started:

 Gather together all your paper based provision: policies – procedures, certificates, letters, leaflets..
 Begin to think of routines, procedures and ways of doing things that may not be written down .. these are details that will help you prove and evidence your work.
 Keep a note of these titles/routines to discuss at a meeting or with others later ...
 Which named categories would each of these and your paperwork document titles fit most suitably in: for example - how we run the group / making sure the room is safe / how we make sure everyone is happy / how we speak with parents / what toys we have - how we make sure the resources and toys are safe /  how we buy new items ..

Please note that these titles are suggestions – yours will need to reflect your own words and thinking on how your group provides a Preschool / Early Years service to the Children and extended community - where possible use category titles relevant to the type of setting / standards already in place.

 Optional - Make a BIG space on a desk / table and take a deep breath ….
 Start listing / placing / entering the document titles either onto paper or PC / computer 
 Gradually, you will see how your provision is developing and in what areas.
 With this information, start forming objectives - what do you see happening: now and in the furutre and how do think these things are possible - what is involved to make them happen.
 With your category titles decided on - evaluate the information/documents to see ..
 
---- If current provision is greater in one area than another and look at how all areas can be developed to reflect a balance 
---- What has been: Do you know what your group history is and its place in the community - how has this influenced your Preschool's direction and how are things progressing .. 
---- What might be missing at the moment and what may need adapting  ..
---- Where can more information be found and who may like to take on the roles and responsibilities associated with that.

 Keep a 'random notes pen & paper to summarise over later ..

 Where necessary create more titles and file any associated evidence beneath them ..
 Amend, edit, revise and reflect as appropriate .. 
Discuss how to store your operational plan - who has access to it - why and when

 Enjoy putting your plan together - it can be done individually, as a team or as part of an ongoing project of internal / external stakeholders