Several high profile sector figures spoke at NDNA’s conference in Liverpool on Friday 5 June, with some using it as a platform to make important new announcements. Among the presenters were Olivia Bailey, Minister for Early Education and Equality and Sir Martyn Oliver, HMCI at Ofsted. Education veteran Ger Graus opened delegates’ eyes to how… Continue reading The key announcements from NDNA Conference 2026
Tag: DfE
NDNA welcomes DfE action to boost graduate early years teachers in disadvantaged communities
NDNA has welcomed the Department for Education’s latest measures to strengthen the early years workforce, including a new £4,500 annual bonus for qualified nursery teachers in disadvantaged communities, the expansion of nursery excellence hubs and new school-nursery partnership grants. The package is designed to help nurseries recruit and retain qualified staff in areas where children… Continue reading NDNA welcomes DfE action to boost graduate early years teachers in disadvantaged communities
Schools with nurseries more than twice as likely to be given “needs attention” grading: Government should refocus childcare policy
An investigation by National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) has revealed that Ofsted gradings show that far more schools with early years provision are receiving “needs attention” grades. The investigation is published on the day of NDNA’s national conference in Liverpool where nursery owners and managers from across the UK will network and be inspired by… Continue reading Schools with nurseries more than twice as likely to be given “needs attention” grading: Government should refocus childcare policy
DfE clarifies safe sleeping requirements
The Department for Education with the Lullaby Trust has written an article clarifying the planned updates to the EYFS on keeping children safe while sleeping. https://help-for-early-years-providers.education.gov.uk/health-and-wellbeing/safer-sleep Minister Olivia Bailey wrote to the sector in March with new requirements to be brought in from September but NDNA have been asking for clarity on a number of points… Continue reading DfE clarifies safe sleeping requirements
Ministerial letter: changes to EYFS safer sleeping requirements
Early education minister Olivia Bailey has written to NDNA to outline her intentions to update the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) this year with the primary objective to “clarify the safeguarding requirements for sleeping arrangements”. The updates will be part of their response to the Campaign for Gigi, led by Genevieve Meehan’s parents Katie Wheeler and John Meehan.… Continue reading Ministerial letter: changes to EYFS safer sleeping requirements
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
Funding rates to rise for 22-23 by less than inflation
Today the Government has published its early years entitlement funding rates from the Department for Education to local authorities in England for two, three and four-year-old places. Most councils will receive an increase of 17p per hour for three and four-year-olds which for the areas with the lowest funding rate of £4.44 is an increase… Continue reading Funding rates to rise for 22-23 by less than inflation