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
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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
Supporting children through seasonal change
We think of nurseries as full of joy at festive times, filled with decorations, trees and songs about donkeys and kings. However, for some children, changes to routine, environment and activity can be unsettling and stressful. Bright new lights, new sounds and smells, different food and a busier, less predictable schedule may lead to feelings… Continue reading Supporting children through seasonal change
Early years activity: Rainbow rice art
Explore colours and textures in this sensory rainbow rice activity. Using their sense of touch, smell, sight and sound, children create a beautiful, unique, textured piece of artwork, developing fine motor skills and expressive language along the way. Rainbow rice art activity learning aims Resources you will need for this activity Rainbow rice art activity… Continue reading Early years activity: Rainbow rice art
Nursery: Where the best start happens
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
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
Early years activity: A very sensory Christmas
Introduce the children to the magic of the season through this hands-on exploration of natural items, festive spices and wintery textures. A very sensory Christmas activity learning aims Resources you will need for this activity A very sensory Christmas activity outline How to extend this activity Add magnifying glasses to observe more closely NDNA products to support… Continue reading Early years activity: A very sensory Christmas
Early years activity: Christmas Party Games
Celebrate the Christmas period with some familiar, fun party games, with a Christmas twist. Christmas Party Games activity learning aims Resources you will need for this activity Christmas Party Games activity outline Pass the Christmas parcel Resources: Objects for children to unwrap, Christmas wrapping paper (add enough layers so each child gets a turn), sticking tape and… Continue reading Early years activity: Christmas Party Games
Top tips: Leading Maths Provision
Early maths experiences set the foundations for children’s future success. Offering a wide range of maths experiences, across all age groups, will provide opportunities for curiosity, fun and engaging activities and foster a love of maths. Top tips for leading maths provision NDNA products to help you with this tip NDNA Maths Champions programme Making… Continue reading Top tips: Leading Maths Provision
Early years activity: Christmas gingerbread biscuits
In this activity, children will mix, roll, shape and decorate their own unique gingerbread person. While supporting their maths and motor skills, this sensory exploration will also fill the nursery with delicious festive aromas. Christmas gingerbread biscuits activity learning aims Resources you will need for this activity You may have your own low sugar recipe to… Continue reading Early years activity: Christmas gingerbread biscuits
Early years activity: Reindeer snack station
Learning the importance of caring for wildlife, reindeers included, will impact children’s response to the natural world, not only now but in the future too. This activity provides a creative, hands-on experience that fosters empathy and gives children an opportunity to contribute positively to the environment by caring for wildlife. Reindeer snack station activity learning aims Resources… Continue reading Early years activity: Reindeer snack station
Top tips: 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 Christmas celebrations ensure that every child feels represented, respected and involved. Inclusive Christmas celebrations outline NDNA products to help you with this… Continue reading Top tips: Inclusive Christmas celebrations
Top tips: Recycling Christmas Materials
Learning about the environment and sustainability is an essential life skill. Talk to children about recycling and how this means you are taking something you don’t want or need anymore and turning them into new things, and how it helps keep our environment clean and healthy. Top tips for art inspiration NDNA products to help… Continue reading Top tips: Recycling Christmas Materials
Budget 2025: measures to reduce child poverty but little for nursery businesses
The Chancellor announced her Budget measures today (Wednesday 26 November) which included an end to the two child benefit cap, free training for apprentices but only business rates relief for retail and leisure sectors. Yesterday (Tuesday 25 November) she revealed the new statutory minimum wage rates from April 2026 which will be increasing by between… Continue reading Budget 2025: measures to reduce child poverty but little for nursery businesses
Nurseries need funding boosted to pay statutory wage rises from April
The Chancellor announced increases to the National Living and Minimum Wages on Tuesday 25 November, a day ahead of Budget Day. NDNA called for the government to boost funding rates to match wage increases and maintain pay differences. Here are the new National Minimum Wage/National Living Wage rates from April 2026: Purnima Tanuku CBE, Executive… Continue reading Nurseries need funding boosted to pay statutory wage rises from April
Top tips: 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 Christmas celebrations ensure that every child feels represented, respected and involved. Inclusive Christmas celebrations outline NDNA products to help you with this… Continue reading Top tips: Inclusive Christmas celebrations
Top tips: Outdoor art inspiration
The outdoor environment is a wonderful resource – an ever-changing canvas for creativity, imagination and exploration. It offers endless opportunities for children to express themselves, experiment with materials and engage their senses while connecting with the natural world. Inspire your team to see the outdoors as a source of inspiration and creativity for your little… Continue reading Top tips: Outdoor art inspiration
Early years activity: Leaf printing
Leaf printing is a fun and sensory way for young children to explore nature, colours, shapes and textures. By using real leaves and paint, children can create unique patterns while developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. This activity also helps children to develop an understanding of seasonal changes and encourages curiosity about the natural… Continue reading Early years activity: Leaf printing
What nurseries need to know about DBS checks
When it comes to early years, keeping the children in your establishment safe is critical. That’s why DBS checks exist. They help you make sure the people you’re hiring are safe and suitable to work around children. But with so many different types of check out there, as well as legal rules, and rescreening requirements to consider, it can all get… Continue reading What nurseries need to know about DBS checks