The latest research into school-based nurseries (SBNs) has highlighted significant challenges in delivering flexible childcare that many families rely on. This raises important questions about whether the Government’s £400 million investment is being directed where it can have the greatest impact on our youngest children. It has also reinforced the crucial role that PVI nurseries… Continue reading Government research shows school-based nurseries are not delivering flexible provision to its communities
Tag: childcare
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: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/low-pay-commission-report-2025 Their report contains all the research, engagement and data which formed the basis of the recommendations to the Chancellor last November to increase the rates to the new levels which come… Continue reading One in seven childcare professionals paid around minimum wages
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. This pot of money – almost £325 million – will be made available for: Tim McLachlan, Chief Executive of NDNA said: “The Government has left the ground-work and local decision-making for the next round of… Continue reading Local authorities to propose school-based nurseries for phase three
Purnima Tanuku CBE to leave NDNA following over 20 years’ leading the organisation
National Day Nurseries Association’s (NDNA) Executive Chair, Purnima Tanuku CBE, is due to step down from her role at the end of March. Following more than 20 years at the organisation she is leaving NDNA, while continuing to work within early years and education as a non-executive director elsewhere. Having joined NDNA in 2004 as… Continue reading Purnima Tanuku CBE to leave NDNA following over 20 years’ leading the organisation
Nursery: Where the Best Start Happens – NDNA’s new campaign championing PVI nurseries
National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) has launched its latest campaign, “Nursery: Where the Best Start Happens”, to champion the vital role that private, voluntary and independent (PVI) nurseries play in giving children aged 0-5 the best possible start in life. PVI nurseries are more than the backbone of early years provision in the UK, delivering… Continue reading Nursery: Where the Best Start Happens – NDNA’s new campaign championing PVI nurseries
Millie’s Mark launches new and improved website
Millie’s Mark, the gold standard for paediatric first aid in early years settings, has a brand-new, upgraded website. This exciting development has tightened data security, introduced automated functions and become more accessible for users. Due to the increasing number of cyber-attacks in the UK, the update further improved the site’s overall security, to give providers who have signed up greater piece of mind. Millie’s Mark was developed in partnership between the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) and first aid charity Millie’s… Continue reading Millie’s Mark launches new and improved website
Early years recognised across the New Year Honours list
Early years professionals have been celebrated in the New Year Honours list, highlighting the vital role they play in shaping children’s outcomes and futures. This year’s recognition spans practitioners, managers and nursery owners, reflecting the breadth of dedication and expertise within the sector. These honours underline how nurseries are at the heart of communities, supporting… Continue reading Early years recognised across the New Year Honours list
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. And if so, at what level? The Department for Education has now responded to explain that local authorities would have the power… Continue reading Ofsted new framework: when councils could withdraw funding
Latest provider survey shows importance of PVI providers
New figures from the government’s 2025 Childcare and Early Years Providers Survey show how significant private, voluntary and independent (PVI) nurseries are in delivering early education and care places for children and families. The report also reveals continued pressures on staffing and sustainability across the sector. Headline findings Tim McLachlan, Chief Executive of NDNA, said:… Continue reading Latest provider survey shows importance of PVI providers
NDNA safeguarding update: What the Chan case means for providers
The recent case of child sexual abuse within a nursery setting has sent shockwaves across the nation. At NDNA, our thoughts are completely with the children and families affected by these appalling crimes. No parent should ever face such unimaginable trauma, and we stand with the victims while continuing our commitment to championing safe and… Continue reading NDNA safeguarding update: What the Chan case means for providers
EYFS results: Children overall making better progress
More children are at the expected level of development and also more are making good progress, according to the latest statistics from the Department for Education (DfE). The EYFS profile results showed that the gap is reducing slightly between: But the gap is widening between those who are eligible for free school meals and those who aren’t eligible. The results… Continue reading EYFS results: Children overall making better progress
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. Ofsted’s statistical release Childcare providers and inspections as at 31 August 2025 also shows that 98% of nurseries were judged as “good” or “outstanding” at their last inspection. Although numbers… Continue reading Numbers of PVI nurseries increase for the second year running
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! Sarah was recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours 2025 for her outstanding contribution to the sector, acknowledging over two decades of leadership and… Continue reading Former Chair of Trustees, Sarah Steel, receives OBE on her birthday
Big increase in percentage of children attending private nurseries in Scotland
New research published yesterday (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. Numbers of… Continue reading Big increase in percentage of children attending private nurseries in Scotland
Congratulations to Nursery World award winners
Many NDNA members were honoured at the annual Nursery World awards at the Brewery in London on Saturday 27 September. NDNA’s first chair of trustees Margaret Mason, founder of Children 1st nurseries, was given a Lifetime Achievement Award. Nursery of the Year was Childsplay Claremont Nursery Cooperative in Newcastle upon Tyne – they won NDNA’s Community… Continue reading Congratulations to Nursery World award winners
NDNA recognised as one of UK’s Best Workplaces in Charity sector
The 2025 UK’s Best Workplaces in Charity & Not-For-Profit™ list was revealed yesterday by Great Place To Work® UK, recognising NDNA among the list in both the Charity and Not for Profit and Education and Training categories. 67% of employees at National Day Nurseries Association say it is a great place to work*, compared to 54% of employees at a… Continue reading NDNA recognised as one of UK’s Best Workplaces in Charity sector
Scotland’s Childcare Guarantee calls for expanded funded hours
Image credit: Chris Watt Photography
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. This is the first time this publication of statistics include registrations for the new entitlements for children of eligible working parents aged nine months to two… Continue reading Government statistics on funded early education and childcare show ‘concerning’ trend
NICs debated in Parliament: “different treatment” for maintained nurseries highlighted
The Department for Education has published how it will deliver £25 million of additional funding to help schools with early years provision and publicly maintained settings. The funding for 2025/26 is to support those settings with NICs costs relating to both teachers and support staff costs associated with the increase to NICs. The NICs grant will provide additional funding in respect… Continue reading NICs debated in Parliament: “different treatment” for maintained nurseries highlighted
NDNA appoints two new Directors
National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) has appointed a Director of Policy and Communications and a new Director of Business Development as part of plans to enhance the support and representation the sector needs at this critical time. As providers in the early years sector face challenges in delivering government funded childcare places and the uncertainties… Continue reading NDNA appoints two new Directors