Nurseries aren't just childcare.
Did you know a high quality nursery can put children three months ahead? We know that nurseries and the early years workforce have an impact that lasts a lifetime. We’re here to shout loud and proud about the incredible difference nurseries and the early years workforce make and give thanks to those who give so much to the futures of children.
Our #Firstfiveyearscount campaign celebrates the early years sector and all they do to make the first five years of a child’s life count.
A high-quality, affordable early years sector also enables parents to be a productive part of the workforce.
On behalf of the early years sector, parents and families, we are striving to:
- Increase understanding of the importance of early childhood education
- Improve the perception of the early years workforce as educators of young children 0-5
- Address the recruitment and retention crisis
- Boost the positive feedback the workforce receives about their work
- Support the uptake of early years places within settings.
Join us and sign up to be a campaign supporter below.
Watch and share our video
The early years sector educates over 1.5 million children between the ages of 0 to 5 in the UK every day. Our #Firstfiveyearscount video highlights the dedication early years professionals show every day to create positive environments for our children to learn, develop and thrive. Here’s how you know the #Firstfiveyearscount.
Find out more about careers in early years
England early years careers
Scotland early years careers
Wales early years careers
Early years resources for parents and carers
We know it can be difficult for parents to make the decision to enrol their child at a nursery. Rest assured, we’re here to help widen their understanding of how incredible early years education can be for children under five.
View parent resources
Young People Engagement Toolkit
As we expand on our #firstfiveyearscounts campaign and work towards addressing the recruitment and retention crisis, NDNA are equipping you with information and resources to help support you in attracting young people to start their career in the early years sector.
View your toolkit
Early Years Employer Toolkits
Within our Early Years Employer Toolkits, we have equipped you with a range of useful information and resources to help maximise recruitment, and support you in finding the right candidates for early years settings to thrive. Each toolkit is tailored to each nation: England, Scotland and Wales.
See Employer Toolkits
You are Super Stars
Part of our campaign is to boost the positive feedback the workforce receives about their work.
Here at NDNA we know how hard the early years workforce works and we know so many parents would love the opportunity to shout about the positive difference you make.
The NDNA Super Star is all about celebrating the early years workforce and the incredible impact they have on not just children, but families and communities as a whole.
Get your Super Star here
Help us to spread the word
We know early years professionals understand how crucial the first five years are to the development and well-being of our youngest children. Our supporter toolkit contains everything you need to help us to spread the word.
We’re also reaching out to parents, carers, MPs, decision makers, employers and other educators to encourage everyone to understand how education in the first five years impacts a child’s future.
Our early years employer toolkit will also support nurseries with recruitment and retention for their settings.
#Firstfiveyearscount: Campaign supporter toolkit
Our practitioners instil wonder, curiosity and a lifelong desire to learn which is so important for all children to thrive and reach their full potential. They offer them memorable learning opportunities which open up a world of possibilities.
Purnima Tanuku OBE, Chief Executive of NDNA