England nursery policy templates updates – February 2026
NDNA’s policies and procedures templates have been updated according to recent safeguarding concerns raised around whistleblowing, the use of CCTV, mobile devices and acceptable internet use.
We provide our members – like you – with over 105 pre-written policy and procedure templates to help save nursery owners managers vital time and £1000s in lawyer and consultant fees.
We have looked at all the latest legislation changes and best practice recommendations. Many of the changes to the templates are related to recent changes to Employment Law, including advice around changes which are due to be introduced from April 2026.
Why does a nursery need these updated policy templates?
Recent safeguarding concerns and upcoming legislative changes mean nursery policies must be clearer, tighter and more robust. Key issues include:
- Whistleblowing
- CCTV use in early years settings
- Mobile devices
- Acceptable internet use and online safety.
NDNA provides over 105 pre‑written nursery policies and procedures to help settings stay compliant while saving significant time and consultancy costs.
Many updates also ensure nurseries are prepared for Employment Law changes coming into force from April 2026.
NDNA members can download the policies straight from the website.
Which new policy templates has NDNA introduced?
NDNA has introduced two brand new templates to support emerging needs in early years settings:
Designed to help nurseries manage food safety, allergies, nutritional standards and parental expectations.
Created to support safe digital practice and protect sensitive data across the nursery.
Which other policy templates have been updated?
Policies with major updates:
NDNA has made significant revisions to core safeguarding and operational policies, including:
- Acceptable Internet Use Policy
- Whistleblowing Policy
- CCTV Policy
- Food Play Policy
- Mobile Devices Policy
These updates strengthen compliance, address digital safety risks and support safer working practices.
Policies with minor updates:
- Safeguarding policy
- Access, storage and retention of records policy
- CCTV Policy
- Complaints and compliments policy
- Late collection and non-collection of children policy
- Managing extreme weather policy
- Nutrition and mealtimes
- Online safety
- Whistleblowing policy
- Child Registration form
- Immunisation disclaimer form.
- What should go in a nursery Cyber security policy?
NDNA’s Cyber Security Policy template for nurseries helps early years settings protect staff, parent and child data. It outlines procedures for:
- Secure access control and user permissions
- Safe data handling and storage
- Password management and MFA
- Email safety and phishing awareness
- Cyber incident reporting and response
- Staff roles and responsibilities
- Training requirements to support a strong cyber‑safe culture.
Nurseries should also refer to:
- NDNA’s Data protection and confidentiality policy
- NDNA’s Acceptable internet use policy.
The policy and procedure template is free for NDNA members and is intended for use by nursery owners and managers to make sure the setting meets its legal duties.
- Why does a nursery need a packed lunch policy?
Since the release of updated nursery charging guidance (2025), many parents are now requesting to bring in packed lunches. This creates operational challenges around:
- Food allergies and intolerance risks
- Storage and hygiene
- Nutritional requirements for early years
- Cross‑contamination, especially high‑risk items such as nuts.
NDNA’s Packed Lunch Policy template helps nurseries:
- Set clear expectations for parents
- Maintain high nutritional and hygiene standards
- Prevent cross‑contamination and manage allergy risks
- Ensure compliance with food safety and EYFS requirements.
Nurseries that do not accept packed lunches do not need this policy. These settings should instead refer to the Nutrition and Mealtimes Policy.
NDNA members can download the policies straight to the computer from our website.
If you aren’t a member of NDNA and want to benefit from these time-saving resources, join us today from only £184! Join NDNA.
NDNA members can download the policies straight to the computer from our website.
- England
