News category Archives

Government research shows school-based nurseries are not delivering flexible provision to its communities

Government research shows school-based nurseries are not delivering flexible provision to its communities.

One in seven childcare professionals paid around minimum wages

The Low Pay Commission – the body which recommends minimum statutory wage rates to the Government – has published its report for 2025:

Local authorities to propose school-based nurseries for phase three

The DfE has today (Wednesday 4 February) published guidance for submitting proposals for its third phase of school-based nurseries funding.

Purnima Tanuku CBE to leave NDNA following over 20 years’ leading the organisation

Purnima Tanuku CBE to leave NDNA after over 20 years

IFS: This year’s funding rates 22% lower in real terms than in 2017

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) annual report on education spending in England shows how spending on education and in particular early years has dropped per child in real terms.

Early Years Maths activities that build confidence

At NDNA, we are proud to deliver the national Maths Champions Programme, a research-informed initiative designed to strengthen early mathematical understanding across nurseries and early years settings. The programme supports practitioners to confidently embed high-quality early years maths activities into everyday routines, play and learning experiences.

Early Years Maths Activities That Build Confidence | NDNA Maths Champions

Early years recognised across the New Year Honours list

Early years professionals have been celebrated in the New Year Honours list.

Maths Champions: Festive Early Years Maths Success

This festive season, NDNA’s Maths Champions programme has been delighted to see early years settings across the UK embracing Christmas themes to enrich children’s early mathematical development. After reaching out to participating nurseries, our Early Years Advisers received a collection of wonderful examples showing how practitioners are embedding maths into meaningful learning experiences.

Above inflation funding rates announced for 2026-27

The Government has published its new hourly funding rates for the funded early education and childcare entitlements for 2026-27.

Ofsted new framework: when councils could withdraw funding

With the new Ofsted inspection framework in place from 10 November, NDNA has been asking the Department for Education to clarify whether councils would be allowed to withdraw funding for poor inspection results.