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
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Top tips: Using mathematical language everyday with young children
The new Statutory Framework for the EYFS places an emphasis on children developing a love of maths. If maths language can be woven into their children’s everyday experiences, they will develop a secure foundation as they make progress in this area. Top tips for using mathematical language everyday with young children NDNA products to help you with this tip Online Courses in… Continue reading Top tips: Using mathematical language everyday with young children
Early years activity: Non-standard measures
Children need opportunities to physically experience and compare different types of measures such as length, size and height, so provide lots of opportunity for young children to explore contrasting items to compare their features in terms of measures. Non-standard measures activity learning aims Resources you will need for this activity Non-standard measures activity outline How to extend this activity NDNA products… Continue reading Early years activity: Non-standard measures
Top tips: Involving children in snack preparation
Involving children in preparing snacks supports independence, communication, early maths skills and healthy eating habits. With planning and supervision, snack preparation can be a fun, safe and meaningful learning experience for the children. Top tips for involving children in snack preparation Ensure all staff follow the same expectations by using a staff meeting to share, discuss and agree how children can be involved… Continue reading Top tips: Involving children in snack preparation
Early years activity: Fruit faces
This fruit faces activity introduces young children to a variety of fruits in a fun, hands-on way, encouraging them to explore healthy foods through play. By creating ‘fruit faces’ children can develop positive attitudes towards healthy eating, practise fine motor skills and learn the names, colours, weights and textures of different fruits. This activity also supports social interaction and communication as… Continue reading Early years activity: Fruit faces
Diwylliant Cymru
Mae’r dudalen hon yn dod ac amrywiaeth o adnoddau i helpu meithrinfeydd i ddathlu a gwreiddio diwylliant Cymru yn eu sefydliadau. Fe welwch chi syniadau ymarferol ac enghreifftiau go iawn o’r iaith a thraddodiadau Cymraeg yn cael eu harddangos mewn meithrinfeydd, dolenni i ryseitiau Cymraeg poblogaidd i’w rhoi cynnig gyda’r plant, a’n PDFau newydd Dimensiwn Cymraeg yn… Continue reading Diwylliant Cymru
Welsh Culture
This page brings together a range of resources to help nurseries celebrate and embed Welsh culture in their setting. You’ll find practical ideas and real examples of Welsh language and traditions being showcased in nurseries, links to much-loved Welsh recipes to try with the children, and our new Welsh dimension in the Workplace PDFs to support your team’s professional practice. Plus, our… Continue reading Welsh Culture
Early years activity: Big garden bird watch
Help the RSPB to find out how garden birds are faring in your patch. Big garden bird watch activity learning aims Resources you will need for this activity Big Garden Bird Watch activity outline How to extend this activity NDNA products to support you with this activity Outdoor and Risky Play – Face to face training Disclaimer: Activities with children must always… Continue reading Early years activity: Big garden bird watch
Top tips: Encouraging bird visitors and how to look after them
Attracting and looking after bird visitors at nursery can be a wonderful way to connect children with nature and support local wildlife. Check out our top tips for how to attract and care for bird visitors. Top tips to get encouraging bird visitors and how to look after them NDNA products to help you with… Continue reading Top tips: Encouraging bird visitors and how to look after them
Protected: Employment Rights Act: what nursery owners need to know for 2026
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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
Early years activity: Discovering the signs of winter
Take learning outdoors with our discovering the signs of winter seasonal activity. Children explore the signs of winter, from frost and bare trees to the chilly air, using magnifying glasses to observe nature close up, inspiring a sense of awe and wonder at our wonderful world. Discovering the signs of winter activity learning aims Resources you will need… Continue reading Early years activity: Discovering the signs of winter
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
Top tips: Singing in the early years
From the very earliest age children are exposed to music from hearing their mum singing to them whilst in the womb or listening to music on the car radio as they travel to nursery. Young children respond to music and spontaneously create their own during their play. This top tip looks at how you can use music as a purposeful and engaging… Continue reading Top tips: Singing in the early years
Early years activity: New Year Time Capsule
New Year is a time for new beginnings and reflection. Create your own new year time capsule to help children think about the present and the future. New Year Time Capsule activity learning aims Resources you will need for this activity New Year Time Capsule activity outline How to extend this activity Remember to make a note in… Continue reading Early years activity: New Year Time Capsule
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