News category Archives - Page 5 of 22

EPI report: Absence rates are increasing among youngest children

We have been approached by a number of nurseries where parents have had their Universal Credit Childcare payments reduced as a result of the updated charging guidance from DfE.

Parent template letter for Universal Credit

We have been approached by a number of nurseries where parents have had their Universal Credit Childcare payments reduced as a result of the updated charging guidance from DfE.

Increases to national minimum wages cannot be unfunded in early years

The Low Pay Commission has announced that it is revising up its estimated increase in the National Living Wage (NLW) for 2026/27 from £12.65 to £12.71 per hour. This estimation is based on “stronger than forecast” wage growth, which impacts on how the National Living Wage is calculated.

Government statistics on funded early education and childcare show ‘concerning’ trend

The Department for Education has published official statistics on ‘Funded early education and childcare’. These are the annual statistics on children under five registered for government funded entitlements in England.

Government publishes its strategy “Giving every child the best start in life”

Following a string of announcements since Friday and over the weekend, the Department for Education has published its new strategy for early years, Giving every child the best start in life.

EYFS in the moment planning in nurseries - children in mud kitchen

Government announces plans for 1,000 Best Start Family Hubs

Parents across the country have been promised more support to make family life easier as the government rolls out ‘Best Start Family Hubs’ across every local authority.

Two hundred new school-based nurseries will create 4,000 places

The Government has announced that almost 200 new school-based nurseries will open in September delivering more than 4,000 early education and care places.

Growth in PVI nurseries but a drop in childminders – latest Ofsted statistics

The latest ofsted statistics shows there has been growth in PVI nurseries but a drop in childminders in early years settings.

Ofsted announces plan to strengthen inspections through new team structures

Following feedback from last year’s Big Listen and the recent consultation on inspection reform, Ofsted has announced a new structure for inspection teams in schools and further education, focused on improving consistency.

Sarah Steel former NDNA Chair of Trustees honoured with OBE