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: NDNA
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
IFS: This year’s funding rates 22% lower in real terms than in 2017
The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) annual report on education spending in England shows how spending on education and in particular early years has dropped per child in real terms. Most notably, despite record investment in funded places, the Government is paying 22% less in real terms to providers than it was in 2017 when… Continue reading IFS: This year’s funding rates 22% lower in real terms than in 2017
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
Maths Champions: Festive Early Years Maths Success
This festive season, NDNA’s Maths Champions programme has been delighted to see early years settings across the UK embracing Christmas themes to enrich children’s early mathematical development. After reaching out to participating nurseries, our Early Years Advisers received a collection of wonderful examples showing how practitioners are embedding maths into meaningful, playful learning experiences. From… Continue reading Maths Champions: Festive Early Years Maths Success
Above inflation funding rates announced for 2026-27
The Government has published its new hourly funding rates for the funded early education and childcare entitlements for 2026-27. All three rates will increase at a higher rate than the National Living Wage rise. The Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) gets a significant increase too. However, although this will cover the majority of staff, rises… Continue reading Above inflation funding rates announced for 2026-27
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
Scottish MSPs raise concerns over 1140 hours and PVI sustainability
Last week’s Education and Skills Portfolio Questions in the Scottish Parliament brought forward the ongoing challenges faced by PVI nurseries, particularly around the sustainability of delivering the expanded 1,140 hours of funded ELC. The government reiterated its commitment to the expansion and noted that research published in 2024 showed high uptake and signs of improvements… Continue reading Scottish MSPs raise concerns over 1140 hours and PVI sustainability
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
Ofsted annual report: Childcare deserts and more babies in nurseries
The latest Ofsted annual report has been released, with Sir Martyn Oliver setting out that supporting children in their earliest years is the best way to tackle inequalities and disadvantage. Despite mounting pressures, early years settings continue to shine. 98% were judged ‘outstanding’ or ‘good’ at their last inspection, a testament to the sector’s resilience… Continue reading Ofsted annual report: Childcare deserts and more babies in nurseries
Budget 2025: measures to reduce child poverty but little for nursery businesses
The Chancellor announced her Budget measures today (Wednesday 26 November) which included an end to the two child benefit cap, free training for apprentices but only business rates relief for retail and leisure sectors. Yesterday (Tuesday 25 November) she revealed the new statutory minimum wage rates from April 2026 which will be increasing by between… Continue reading Budget 2025: measures to reduce child poverty but little for nursery businesses
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. NDNA called for the government to boost funding rates to match wage increases and maintain pay differences. Here are the new National Minimum Wage/National Living Wage rates from April 2026: Purnima Tanuku CBE, Executive… Continue reading Nurseries need funding boosted to pay statutory wage rises from April
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 sector-wide survey by NDNA. Our pre-budget survey covered 545 settings across England, Scotland and Wales, highlighting the battling cost pressures on nurseries already operating on… Continue reading Nine in ten UK nurseries are struggling with NMW increases ahead of the Budget
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
Nursery employment programme ready to launch for veterans and partners
National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) is delivering paid training and work experience placements for armed forces veterans and veterans’ partners thanks to a grant from The Veterans’ Foundation. NDNA‘s Childcare Works supported employment project will offer a training pathway to a fulfilling career in early education and care to interested veterans and partners of veterans. … Continue reading Nursery employment programme ready to launch for veterans and partners