Regions: All

Budget supports high street businesses but not nurseries

Chancellor John Healey delivered his Budget today which promised breathing space for today and fresh hope for the future. Despite promising to support businesses, there were business rates discounts for the high street, but this did not include nurseries. Among the announcements relevant to the early years sector there were: Tim McLachlan, Chief Executive of… Continue reading Budget supports high street businesses but not nurseries

Minimum wages set for above inflation rises

Teacher and adorable children being creative with colorful pencils at kindergarten

It has now been announced that minimum wages for workers across all age groups are set to increase by 3.9% on 1 April 2027. The National Living Wage, which applies to those aged 21 and over, will rise from £12.71 to £13.21. The National Minimum Wage, which applies to those aged 18 to 21, will… Continue reading Minimum wages set for above inflation rises

EYFS profile results: Children making good progress particularly in maths and literacy

The Department for Education (DfE) has released the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) profile results for 2025/26 which show positive improvements in most areas. These annual statistics report on teacher assessments of children’s development at the end of the EYFS, typically the summer term of the academic year in which a child turns 5. The assessment… Continue reading EYFS profile results: Children making good progress particularly in maths and literacy

Top tips: Effective progress tracking

Effective progress tracking is about much more than recording children’s progress. When used well, it gives nursery managers and educators a clear picture of how children are developing, highlights patterns and identifies where additional support or changes to provision may be needed. The key is to make tracking purposeful, manageable and something the whole team… Continue reading Top tips: Effective progress tracking

Early years activity: Nature’s colours

This is a simple outdoor activity that encourages children to explore the natural world through colour, observation and creativity. Children can search for different colours in their surroundings, collect natural treasures and use them to create their own designs, supporting curiosity, language development and a growing appreciation of nature. Nature’s colours learning aims Resources you… Continue reading Early years activity: Nature’s colours

Investing in employee well-being – Good practice spotlight

Employee wellbeing is no longer a “nice to have” in early years settings; it is essential to creating a positive, resilient and high-quality environment for both staff and children. At Abacus Day Nursery in Swansea, wellbeing is embedded into everyday practice through open communication, practical support, professional development and a strong commitment to mental health. … Continue reading Investing in employee well-being – Good practice spotlight

Early years activity: Yoga and Me

Yoga can be a fun and playful way for young children to explore movement and discover what their bodies can do. Simple poses and movements encourage children to stretch, reach, bend, balance and hold different positions, helping to develop core strength, stability, balance, co-ordination and body awareness. During our yoga and me activity, children can… Continue reading Early years activity: Yoga and Me

Top tips: Sharing your vision

A clear vision gives everyone in your nursery a shared sense of purpose and direction. It helps your team understand not only what you want to achieve for children and families, but why it matters. When practitioners understand and feel part of the vision, it is more likely to be reflected in everyday interactions, decision-making… Continue reading Top tips: Sharing your vision

Benedict’s Law

Benedict’s Law is a set of national measures designed to improve allergy safety in schools. Currently, these measures apply to schools in England, while campaigning continues to extend into Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The aim is to ensure schools have the policies, training, information and emergency medication they need to recognise and respond quickly… Continue reading Benedict’s Law

Early years activity: Mirror Faces

This simple activity which encourages children to explore their emotions and expressions through play. Using mirrors, children can observe their own faces, copy different expressions and begin to recognise how our faces can show how we are feeling. The activity also supports children’s confidence, communication and self-awareness in a playful and engaging way. Mirror faces… Continue reading Early years activity: Mirror Faces

Tim and Stella celebrate Millie’s Mark’s 10th anniversary at Smarties Nursery

Today (Thursday 24 September) we celebrate a milestone for Millie’s Mark, the gold standard in paediatric first aid. Our Director of Quality and Training, Stella Ziolkowski and I visited Smarties Nursery in Rastrick, West Yorkshire to meet their staff and children. Smarties like many other nurseries across the UK benefit from holding the Millie’s Mark… Continue reading Tim and Stella celebrate Millie’s Mark’s 10th anniversary at Smarties Nursery

Gold standard in paediatric accreditation Millie’s Mark celebrates 10th anniversary

Early years accreditation Millie’s Mark, the gold standard in paediatric first aid, celebrates ten years of keeping children safer later this month, supporting around 250,000 children in nurseries across the UK. Millie’s Mark – founded by first aid charity Millie’s Trust and administered by National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) – was launched in September 2016… Continue reading Gold standard in paediatric accreditation Millie’s Mark celebrates 10th anniversary