Top tips: Get children talking

Strong communication skills start with rich, everyday interactions. Nursery leaders play a vital role in creating language-rich environments where every child feels heard and confident to express themselves. These simple, playful tips will help spark conversation, extend vocabulary and build confident communicators to help get children talking.  Top tips to get children talking NDNA products to help you… Continue reading Top tips: Get children talking

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

Nursery: Where the best start happens – TEST PAGE -DONT MAKE LIVE

National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) is proud to champion the vital role that private, voluntary and independent (PVI) nurseries play in giving children aged 0–5 years the best possible start in life. As the backbone of early years education in the UK, PVI nurseries are already delivering high-quality care, education and support to families across… Continue reading Nursery: Where the best start happens – TEST PAGE -DONT MAKE LIVE

Early Years Maths activities that build confidence

How the Maths Champions Programme is boosting practitioner confidence through early years maths activities at The Rocking Horse Nursery At NDNA, we are proud to deliver the national Maths Champions Programme, a research-informed initiative designed to strengthen early mathematical understanding across nurseries and early years settings. The programme supports practitioners to confidently embed high-quality early… Continue reading Early Years Maths activities that build confidence

Top tips: New year new energy – supporting your team

As we get ready to step into a new year, it’s a perfect opportunity to embrace fresh beginnings, renewed energy and exciting possibilities. A new year offers a chance for reflection, growth and inspiration. These tips are designed to help leaders support their staff in feeling motivated, valued and empowered, while also prioritising their well-being.   Top tips for new year new energy NDNA products… Continue reading Top tips: New year new energy – supporting your team

Early years activity: Cosy calm den 

Periods of excitement or routine changes can often feel overwhelming for young children, bringing extra noise, activity and heightened emotions. This activity provides a cosy, calming retreat where children can step away from the busyness around them. The den offers a quiet space for moments of stillness and emotional regulation whenever children need a peaceful break.  Cosy… Continue reading Early years activity: Cosy calm den 

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

Early years activity: Indoor jungle safari adventure  

This jungle safari adventure is a fun and engaging indoor obstacle course designed especially for babies and toddlers. It is a safe, sensory-rich activity that encourages little ones to crawl, climb and explore as they journey through a series of soft, themed challenges. Perfect for developing motor skills, coordination and confidence, this playful adventure brings… Continue reading Early years activity: Indoor jungle safari adventure  

Top tips for indoor physical play 

Physical play is a vital part of early childhood development, helping children build coordination, strength, confidence and social skills—all while having fun. In a nursery setting, where outdoor access may sometimes be limited, it’s important to create engaging and safe opportunities for movement indoors. See our top tips for practical, creative ways to support active… Continue reading Top tips for indoor physical play 

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

Top Tips for Inclusive Christmas Celebrations 

The Christmas period is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate cultural diversity – helping children learn about different traditions, value their own family experiences and develop positive attitudes towards the diverse world around them. Inclusive celebrations ensure that every child feels represented, respected and involved.  Inclusive Christmas Celebrations Outline NDNA products to support you with this activity … Continue reading Top Tips for Inclusive Christmas Celebrations 

Early years activity: Comparing natural objects 

Maths can be found in every aspect of nature and it provides endless opportunities for children to explore mathematical concepts. This activity will look at making comparisons between natural objects found in nature.   Comparing natural objects activity learning aims Resources you will need for this activity Comparing natural objects activity outline How to extend this activity… Continue reading Early years activity: Comparing natural objects