Latest news, policy and events

DfE: it’s official childcare places will be called “funded” not “free”

Senior civil servants who attended an NDNA Talk event announced that the Government would be calling 15 and 30 hour childcare places “funded” and not “free”.

 

Mike Davies, Deputy Director Early Years Markets, Strategy and Workforce and Suzanne Taylor, Stakeholder Lead School-based Nursery Division from the Department for Education gave updates on their latest projects and how they had responded to feedback from the sector over the past few weeks.

Mr Davies said: “We have heard your concerns about the word free with regards to the entitlements and have now shifted to ‘government-funded’ in our communications with parents.”

Read more
NDNA Awards 2025 now open banner
The NDNA Awards are now open!

The NDNA Awards are now open!

We’re thrilled to announce the NDNA Awards are now open for entries! NDNA Awards are free to enter for all members where we have nine award categories for 2025, including two brand new categories!
Download resources
Parent resources: starting your early years education journey

Parent resources: starting your early years education journey

Play, nurture, experiences and relationships build the strong foundations of a child’s brain and their future. Whilst the thought of childcare can be nervewracking, a nursery can become a pivotal part of your support system.
Download resources

All things babies throughout October

We want to showcase some of our top tips, tools and resources available to help you with all things babies in your setting.

 

NDNA’s “Exemplary Practice” series of online courses provide practitioners with advanced activities, strategies and theories to use in their settings. Learners taking our Exemplary Practice with Babies course will be able to provide the highest and most exemplary practice to the birth to two-year-olds in their care.

 

Book our online course here

Supporting nurseries across the UK and overseas

NDNA England

Supporting nurseries in England to provide high-quality, sustainable childcare.
NDNA in England

NDNA Scotland

We support Scottish nurseries and are a strategic partner to the Government.
NDNA Scotland: Scotland childcare and early years support

NDNA Cymru

NDNA has a committed and enthusiastic member base representing Wales nurseries.
NDNA Cymru – supporting nurseries in Wales

NDNA International

We support nurseries internationally. Find out more about NDNA international.
NDNA international membership

For support when you need it most…

NDNA gives you the reassuring, expert advice and time-saving resources that allow you to focus on what you do best, caring for children in early years.

 

Join NDNA for:

 

  • A stronger voice on issues crucial to your business
  • Time-saving resources and expert, reassuring advice
  • Access to more information, plus training and ideas to help improve practice
  • As well as great savings on nursery essentials.
Join NDNA