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IPPR report on collective bargaining highlights childcare
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) have published a report on areas where sector specific collective bargaining could help improve pay and conditions for workers. Childcare has been highlighted as a next step after adult social care. The report highlights the fact that the government is facing challenges in delivering its missions in crucial… Continue reading IPPR report on collective bargaining highlights childcare
Private day nurseries eligible for claiming Employment Allowance at increased rate
Following lobbying from NDNA, the Government has issued further specific guidance around eligibility of private and voluntary run nurseries across the UK for the National Insurance Contributions (NIC) Employment Allowance. Although the NIC will increase for employers from April 2025, the Employment Allowance (EA) will also increase from £5,000 per employer to £10,500. This could… Continue reading Private day nurseries eligible for claiming Employment Allowance at increased rate
Top Tips: Poetry in the early years
Getting into the habit of describing the world around us is a wonderful way to build a rich vocabulary and lays the foundation for creating and appreciating poetry. To celebrate World Poetry Day, why not share these top tips with parents to encourage them to create poems at home? Tips to encourage parents to create… Continue reading Top Tips: Poetry in the early years
Early years poetry activity: Whispers of Spring
In this sensory poetry activity, children will use their senses to explore the signs of spring, to be inspired, and spark discussion, leading to the creation of a collaborative poem that captures the essence of spring. Learning aims The learning aims of this activity are to promote sensory engagement by letting children experience nature and… Continue reading Early years poetry activity: Whispers of Spring
Early years activity: Holi – the festival of colours
Holi is a vibrant Hindu festival that marks the arrival of spring and celebrates love and new beginnings. It is also known as the Festival of Colours. This Holi early years activity encourages children to celebrate colours and have fun with friends. Learning aims There are many different learning outcomes of this activity. To encourage… Continue reading Early years activity: Holi – the festival of colours
Top tips: Embedding other cultures in your setting
Inclusion means that all children feel seen, heard and valued in their setting. Embedding a variety of cultures into your practice improves their sense of self and supports positive mental health. Here are some top tips to embed all cultures into your setting: Looking for ways to embed diverse cultures into your nursery setting? Our… Continue reading Top tips: Embedding other cultures in your setting
Updated charging parents nursery guidance April 2025
In February 2025, the Department for Education updated its early education and childcare funded places guidance that local authorities – and consequently providers – must follow. “Bullied, humiliated, dictated to by government and stuck in the middle between parents and the council.” – NDNA Network member FAQs about the charging parents nursery guidance How can… Continue reading Updated charging parents nursery guidance April 2025
A week of action in early years
We held our week of action in early years from 10-14 February 2025 where together, we fought for better outcomes for nurseries as one stronger voice. NDNA continues to lobby for better outcomes for nurseries, families and children. Nurseries – you can still support the campaign for underfunded childcare. If you want to support our… Continue reading A week of action in early years
Early years science: Floating and sinking activity
This hands-on early years science floating and sinking activity encourages children to experiment with sinking and floating by testing different objects in water. Through playful exploration, children will predict, observe, and discuss what happens, supporting curiosity and scientific thinking. Learning aims There are many different learning outcomes of this activity. It’ll inspire curiosity as children… Continue reading Early years science: Floating and sinking activity
Leading and managing nursery staff
Why is leading and managing nursery staff important? Effective nursery leadership and management skills are crucial to running a successful early years settings. If a nursery is strong at leading and managing nursery staff, it will lead to a happy and high performing team, good inspection outcomes, and most importantly, better outcomes for the children. … Continue reading Leading and managing nursery staff
New incoming Chief Executive for NDNA
Chief Executive of National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) Purnima Tanuku CBE is due to move into a new role with the organisation as its Executive Chair. This position will exist to lead the strategic work of the organisation, particularly managing key external relationships with Ministers, senior officials and the policy work across the UK. NDNA’s… Continue reading New incoming Chief Executive for NDNA
Business support for nurseries
We understand the pressures that nursery owners face. Let us provide you with some of the tools you need to run your nursery business, so you have more time to focus on the joyful job of educating and caring for our youngest children. Blog posts packed with tips for your nursery business
Cyber security: What you need to know about protecting your organisation
Cyber security is essential for protecting your organisation against common online attacks such as malicious software and viruses. We look at the government launched scheme Cyber Essentials which is designed to protect against these attacks and is backed by the Federation of Small Businesses. What is Cyber Essentials? Cyber Essentials is an effective, government backed… Continue reading Cyber security: What you need to know about protecting your organisation
Nursery owners recognised in New Year Honours List
Philip Siddell, Trustee of the National Day Nurseries Association and Co-owner of Humpty Dumpty Day Nurseries Ltd, Burton on Trent has been recognised in the New Years Honours List 2025. Philip Siddell has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the Early Years, to Childcare and to the Charitable Sector. Commenting on Philip Siddell’s… Continue reading Nursery owners recognised in New Year Honours List
New Year Honour – Chief Executive of early years charity delighted to receive CBE
The Chief Executive of National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) Purnima Tanuku has been named in the New Year Honours List 2025 with a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) honour. Purnima who is “absolutely delighted” has been honoured for services to Early Years Education following 20 year’s as Chief Executive at NDNA. In that time… Continue reading New Year Honour – Chief Executive of early years charity delighted to receive CBE
Support children with additional needs: A Week of Hope
Recent statistics show a rising number of children identified as having special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Inclusion is not optional; creating inclusive, nurturing environments is at the heart of what we do. However, with limited funding and a shortage of specialist knowledge, we know how challenging it can be. Download your guide and certificates… Continue reading Support children with additional needs: A Week of Hope
Financial management systems for nurseries and early years settings
Here are some hints and tips on keeping accounting records and choosing a nursery management system. Accounting records for your nursery The accounting records you need when running a childcare business are: The profit and loss account (also known as the income and expenditure statement) is a statement which shows whether your business has made… Continue reading Financial management systems for nurseries and early years settings
Underfunded childcare
For nursery settings in all UK nations, the rise in national insurance contributions (NICs) and staffing costs will drastically impact their setting, putting them under huge financial pressure. Why not contact your MP and parents? Use our MP and parent letter templates to voice your concerns and fight for better outcomes for nurseries, families and… Continue reading Underfunded childcare
The story of Maths Champions: Boosting children’s early maths outcomes
Stella Ziolkowski, Director of Quality and Training, NDNA, explores how the Maths Champions programme boosts children’s early maths outcomes in nurseries. I found mathematics very daunting at school and looking back, I am sure I suffered from maths anxiety. It didn’t come naturally to me, and I felt stupid that I couldn’t grasp some of… Continue reading The story of Maths Champions: Boosting children’s early maths outcomes