News category Archives

More to do to get Ofsted inspections right despite positive signs

Early years providers are generally giving the new Ofsted inspection framework the thumbs up, although they question the consistency and collaborative approach.

Conservative Party Proposes to Remove Earnings Limit on Funded Childcare Places

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has said a Conservative government would scrap the "cliff edge" that means parents in England are no longer eligible for funded childcare hours once they earn more than £100,000 a year.

New report: the support nurseries give to families should be acknowledged and supported

A new study from Dr Nathan Archer and the British Academy has looked at the additional services and family support increasingly offered by early childhood education settings in England, its importance and the struggles it creates.

Autumn maths for early years: pumpkins, patterns and plenty of play

NDNA\'s Maths Champions programme has been shortlisted in two categories at the Children & Young People Now Awards 2026. Recognised for excellence in children\'s learning and workforce development, this achievement celebrates the programme\'s growing impact on early years practice and the dedicated professionals helping children develop strong mathematical foundations.

New Vocational GCSEs Unveiled

New vocational GCSEs will be introduced from 2029 for 14-year-olds in England.

Improving children’s outcomes is the top priority in Wales-Scotland agreement

Tackling child poverty and improving outcomes for children and families is the top area for co-operation as agreed by the Welsh and Scottish governments.

Calls growing to raise the earnings threshold for funded childcare

Noise is increasing around the proposal to raise the higher earnings threshold for funded places in England which has been fixed at £100,000 per parent since 2017.

Ahead of the Budget NDNA submits evidence for more support for PVI nurseries

NDNA has submitted evidence to the Government, Treasury and ministers from the Department for Education that more needs to be done to support the PVI nursery sector.

PISA report: mixed picture across the UK for educational outcomes

The 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa) results have now been released. These are reported every three years and are taken from a sample of 15-year-old students across multiple nations to assess their maths, science and reading skills.

Prestigious NDNA nursery awards are back for 2027 to celebrate the early years sector

NDNA is delighted to announce the launch of the NDNA awards 2027, which are now open for nurseries and NDNA networks to enter across the UK. Our awards celebration will return to the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool on Friday 9 July 2027.