The Scottish Government has published its Early Learning and Childcare expansion delivery progress ELC) report revealing that the families of more than 79,000 children are saving almost £5,000 per child annually due to the ELC offer. But NDNA Scotland says that the scheme is still underfunded and many providers are not being paid a… Continue reading ELC offer saving families money – Scottish Government report
Author: A. Callaghan
New Education Secretary recognises importance of early years
The new Secretary of State for Education Nadhim Zahawi made his first speech at the Conservative party conference yesterday. Mr Zahawi talked about the importance of early education and language acquisition for children’s educational outcomes. Purnima Tanuku OBE, Chief Executive of NDNA, said: “It is refreshing to hear the Secretary of State for Education recognising… Continue reading New Education Secretary recognises importance of early years
Reducing ratios newspaper article – NDNA’s response
A front page article in the Telegraph on Saturday suggested that the Government is looking at reducing ratios of children to adults in childcare settings in England. The article – which gave no named sources for this information – said that “education officials” argued that this would drive childcare costs down for parents. Having been on the… Continue reading Reducing ratios newspaper article – NDNA’s response
Shadow Education Minister addresses Labour party conference
The Shadow Education Minister Kate Green MP addressed the Labour party conference today. Her speech detailed how the next Labour government would overcome the challenges of the pandemic to deliver an education system that equips children for the future. The speech referenced the Children’s Recovery Plan, first released in June 2021. The document sets out… Continue reading Shadow Education Minister addresses Labour party conference
Nurseries dazzle at the Nursery World Awards 2021
The Nursery World Awards 2021 ceremony took place on Saturday night (25 September) at the Brewery in London and a number of NDNA members were crowned winners. NDNA’s Chief Executive Purnima Tanuku OBE and Director of Business Development Cara Brundle attended the in-person ceremony. Purnima presented the award for Nursery Operations/Regional Manager to Carly… Continue reading Nurseries dazzle at the Nursery World Awards 2021
New minister speaking at free member event
Scotland’s new Minister for Children and Young People Clare Haughey will be speaking to nursery owners and managers across the country about the future of early learning and childcare (ELC) and how UNCRC Incorporation will impact on ELC at a free event. National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) Scotland organises two free events for members… Continue reading New minister speaking at free member event
Millie’s Mark celebrates 5 years this month
Millie’s Mark, the gold standard for nurseries in paediatric first aid, celebrates its fifth birthday this month after launching in 2016. The Mark is an accredited scheme for outstanding Paediatric First Aid practice, established by Dan and Joanne Thompson of Millie’s Trust following the death of their young daughter Millie. NDNA was awarded the contract… Continue reading Millie’s Mark celebrates 5 years this month
Extra support announced for childcare sector in Wales
Deputy Minister for Social Services, Julie Morgan MS, which includes responsibility for early years and childcare, has released a written statement announcing £5.1million of extra support for the childcare and play services sector. A total of £3.5million will be distributed to local authorities via the Children and Communities Grant to help providers with the… Continue reading Extra support announced for childcare sector in Wales
Easy as ABC – NDNA hosts our biggest virtual event
Early years phenomenon Alistair Bryce-Clegg gave hundreds of nursery owners, managers and practitioners an hour of inspiration and entertainment in a free event to thank the sector. The former nursery teacher mesmerised about 400 nursery practitioners with his real-life hilarious stories but also spoke passionately about how to give children the best learning opportunities while… Continue reading Easy as ABC – NDNA hosts our biggest virtual event
NDNA appoints new Chair of Trustees
National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) has appointed Sarah Steel, the CEO of the Old Station Nursery group as their new Chair of Trustees. Sarah Steel is succeeding Sarah Carr OBE who has been a Board Member and Chair of Trustees since 2001. She was confirmed at a meeting of the Board on Wednesday 15th September… Continue reading NDNA appoints new Chair of Trustees
Minister denies early years sector is in crisis
Children and Families Minister Vicky Ford told a packed parliamentary debate that there were no issues with funding, sufficiency, childcare costs, closures or practitioners living in poverty. The debate was sparked by a petition signed by well over 100,000 people calling for an independent review into early years funding in England. Vicky Ford announced that… Continue reading Minister denies early years sector is in crisis
Government is underfunding us – 95% of nurseries say
A comprehensive survey probing private, voluntary and independent nurseries’ financial sustainability has uncovered a dire picture with 85% of childcare businesses in England making a loss or only breaking even. Ahead of the Comprehensive Spending Review, National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) reveals the shocking landscape in which nurseries and childcare settings are operating, with 95%… Continue reading Government is underfunding us – 95% of nurseries say
Wales: Rates relief extended for providers
Registered child care premises in Wales will benefit from 100% non-domestic rates relief for an additional three years, the Deputy Minister for Social Services Julie Morgan has announced. The extension of the rates relief, until 31 March 2025, will provide £9.7m of additional support for registered childcare premises. This will help those who are facing… Continue reading Wales: Rates relief extended for providers