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Two hundred new school-based nurseries will create 4,000 places 

Group of nursery babies toddlers eating healthy food lunch break together with kindergartener

The Government has announced that almost 200 new school-based nurseries will open in September delivering more than 4,000 early education and care places. This will exceed the Government’s initial predictions on places.  The next phase of school-based nursery funding will launch in autumn.  NDNA has told the press that these new nurseries have to be… Continue reading Two hundred new school-based nurseries will create 4,000 places 

Managing your nursery operations 

In this series of blogs, National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) provides top tips on developing effective nursery leadership and management skills. The articles address each important aspect of leadership and management in a nursery. We also provide links to where you can find further training and information.  Why are nursery leadership and management skills important? … Continue reading Managing your nursery operations 

Ofsted announces plan to strengthen inspections through new team structures

Following feedback from last year’s Big Listen and the recent consultation on inspection reform, Ofsted has announced a new structure for inspection teams in schools and further education, focused on improving consistency. The changes mean that following the introduction of the renewed education inspection framework in November 2025:   On early years Ofsted said that due… Continue reading Ofsted announces plan to strengthen inspections through new team structures

Transition to school

Moving from nursery to school is a significant milestone for young children. Every child experiences this transition differently, so it’s important to observe and respond to their emotions, acknowledging their individual needs. Offering personalised support can help make the process smoother and more positive. Here are some helpful tips to guide the transition. NDNA products… Continue reading Transition to school

Respectful intimate care in nurseries

Find out about best practice surrounding intimate care routines and how to turn them into meaningful learning opportunities.  What are intimate care routines?  Intimate care routines are essential throughout the day to ensure that children’s basic needs are met. Intimate care routines include nappy changing, supporting children with using the toilet, changing clothes and administering… Continue reading Respectful intimate care in nurseries

Top tips: Messy moments

Messy play should be considered an essential part of early childhood. When children’s curiosity is invited and encouraged and if they are given the freedom to explore and discover, then play can certainly get messy. Embracing messy play offers a chance to foster a fun, inclusive, learning environment with the opportunity to engage with different… Continue reading Top tips: Messy moments

Early years activity: Making, shaping and exploring dough 

This is an easy, accessible activity that encourages creativity, sensory exploration and expands vocabulary. In this activity children create their own dough and get to explore its properties by mixing, rolling, stretching and shaping it into various forms. It’s a fun way to incorporate early learning concepts such as shape, colour and numbers while encouraging… Continue reading Early years activity: Making, shaping and exploring dough 

Inclusion in early years

Everyone has the right to be treated equally without prejudice or discrimination. So how can you support inclusion in early years? What is inclusion?  The Early Childhood Forum’s definition of inclusion is “a process of identifying, understanding and breaking down barriers to participation and belonging.”  Early years settings must promote an inclusive environment in which… Continue reading Inclusion in early years

Sarah Steel former NDNA Chair of Trustees honoured with OBE

Sarah Steel, who ran Old Station Nurseries and was NDNA’s Chair of Trustees until earlier this year, has been given an OBE for services to early education in the King’s Birthday Honours List. Sarah has been a long-time NDNA member and trustee alongside her career which started in a single site family-run nursery. She founded… Continue reading Sarah Steel former NDNA Chair of Trustees honoured with OBE

Top tips: Differentiation for children with SEND

Providing equality of opportunity for all children, may incorporate differentiating aspects of your curriculum or provision to provide meaningful learning opportunities for children with SEND. Review our top tips on differentiation against your own daily practice. Top tips for differentiation for children with SEND NDNA products to support you with this tip Disclaimer: Activities with… Continue reading Top tips: Differentiation for children with SEND

NDNA Celebrates Talent and Professionalism at Prestigious Awards Ceremony

National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) took to the stage to celebrate the talent, dedication and professionalism in the early years sector at its annual conference and awards ceremony.  The NDNA conference 2025: ‘Every child’s story starts with early years’ brought members and sector experts together to share and inspire innovation for the future of the… Continue reading NDNA Celebrates Talent and Professionalism at Prestigious Awards Ceremony

Chancellor’s spending review plans for the future, but sector needs investment now

Coins falling to white piggy saving , Financial and money deposit concept.

Today, Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her Spending Review, setting out budgets for all government departments over the next few years. She begun by stating: “We are renewing Britain – but I know that too many people in too many parts of our country are yet to feel it.” It was anticipated that the Chancellor would… Continue reading Chancellor’s spending review plans for the future, but sector needs investment now

Thank you for joining myNDNA!

We are delighted to welcome you as a member of myNDNA. Cras dapibus, nunc quis rutrum gravida, ex nunc congue orci, ut iaculis metus velit in diam. Vivamus id mattis metus. Nam et ex vestibulum, dignissim nibh nec, auctor felis. Morbi ut vulputate quam. Aenean at odio libero. Quisque id nulla viverra, maximus orci eget,… Continue reading Thank you for joining myNDNA!

My special star – Inclusive Father’s Day craft activity

Children create a bright, colourful star-shaped suncatcher to celebrate someone special in their life. The star symbolises how their special person lights up their world – whether that’s a dad, mum, grandparent, carer, or another important person. This activity offers a colourful way to celebrate love that’s adaptable, inclusive, and enjoyable. Inclusive Father’s Day activity… Continue reading My special star – Inclusive Father’s Day craft activity

NDNA Conference 2025: Practice Stream on Demand

Missed a live Virtual Practice stream session or want to revisit your favourite talks from the NDNA Conference 2025? Watch at your convenience and continue your professional development with insights, ideas and inspiration from leading early years experts. Your sessions: