NDNA latest news

Nurseries need funding boosted to pay statutory wage rises from April

The Chancellor announced increases to the National Living and Minimum Wages on Tuesday 25 November, a day ahead of Budget Day.

Protected: What nurseries need to know about DBS checks

When it comes to early years, keeping the children in your establishment safe is critical. That’s why DBS checks exist. They help you make sure the people you’re hiring are safe and suitable to work around children.

Numbers of PVI nurseries increase for the second year running

Numbers of PVI nurseries increase for the second year running According to the latest Ofsted statistics, there are 260 more private, voluntary and independent nurseries and pre-schools (childcare on non domestic premises) compared with last year.

Nine in ten UK nurseries are struggling with NMW increases ahead of the Budget

Early years settings across the UK are facing unprecedented financial pressures. Almost 90% reported that National Minimum Wage (NMW) increases are placing them under significant strain, according to a new survey by NDNA.

Former Chair of Trustees, Sarah Steel, receives OBE on her birthday

Wednesday 12 November marked a double celebration for Sarah Steel as she attended her investiture ceremony to receive her OBE, an honour made even more special as it coincided with her birthday!

Nursery employment programme ready to launch for veterans and partners

Government Pulse survey shows most nursery costs higher than income

The latest Government Pulse survey of providers from 2024-25 showed that nurseries are still under a lot of financial stress and struggling to expand in order to meet demand for funded places.

Real Living Wage to rise by almost 7% from April

The Real Living Wage (RLW) is set to rise from April 2026 by almost 7%, increasing to £13.45 per hour (an 85p rise) across the UK and £14.80 (a 95p rise) in London. The RLW is voluntary with many large and small companies, including a number of nurseries across the UK, choosing to sign up to demonstrate their commitment to fair pay.

Big increase in percentage of children attending private nurseries in Scotland

New research published today (7 October) showed that more families in Scotland were choosing to send their children to private and voluntary nurseries. The Scottish Household Survey 2024 Childcare report revealed that 32% of households with children aged up to five used private nurseries compared with just 24% in private nurseries in 2018.

Council u-turn hits Hampshire nurseries

NDNA is calling for urgent action after Hampshire County Council failed to deliver its commitment to early years funding on summer term figures, leaving settings thousands of pounds out of pocket, with some facing shortfalls of up to 50%.