Early years and childcare news

Scotland’s Finance Secretary Shona Robison reported on the Budget in Holyrood this week.

The Department for Education (DfE) has published new data showing that children were improving at the end of reception year, although maths and literacy are still the areas where they need the most help. 

NDNA briefed MPs ahead of the Second Reading of the National Insurance Contributions (Secondary Class 1 Contributions) Bill 2024-25 which was debated this week.  

The brief detailed the impact of NICs changes on the Early Education and Childcare Sector, highlighting issues such as an average nursery will face additional staffing costs of around £40,000 per annum as a result of increased salaries and NIC increases.   

The Department for Education (DfE) has published its recent Pulse surveys of childcare and early years providers revealing that almost half of group-based providers do not have sufficient funding to cover their costs.