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.”
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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!
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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.
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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.
