Here, children are given the opportunity to create their very own nursery photo using props, backdrops and as much creativity as they can muster! This fun activity supports children to explore self-expression, confidence and identity while capturing a special memory of their time at nursery. Picture Perfect activity learning aims Resources you will need for… Continue reading Early years activity: Picture Perfect
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Top tips: Nursery Pets – Health and Safety
Considering the needs of others is one of the building blocks of empathy and pets in a nursery setting can enable children to learn about caring for others while helping them to talk about their feelings and emotions. Pets in a setting are a big responsibility and providers should carefully consider all the extra responsibilities… Continue reading Top tips: Nursery Pets – Health and Safety
Top tips: Building belonging through resources
Creating a truly inclusive environment means making sure every child feels seen, valued and celebrated. The resources we select play a big role in shaping children’s understanding of themselves and others. By offering diverse, authentic and accessible materials, you can help children build respect, empathy and a sense of belonging from the beginning of their… Continue reading Top tips: Building belonging through resources
Early years activity: Animal appreciation
World Animal Day is focused on raising awareness and appreciation of the importance of animals for the planet. Take part in this year’s World Animal Day by using this activity to get children to share their appreciation of their favourite animals. Animal appreciation activity learning aims Resources you will need for this activity Animal appreciation… Continue reading Early years activity: Animal appreciation
Congratulations to Nursery World award winners
Many NDNA members were honoured at the annual Nursery World awards at the Brewery in London on Saturday 27 September. NDNA’s first chair of trustees Margaret Mason, founder of Children 1st nurseries, was given a Lifetime Achievement Award. Nursery of the Year was Childsplay Claremont Nursery Cooperative in Newcastle upon Tyne – they won NDNA’s Community… Continue reading Congratulations to Nursery World award winners
NDNA Response to the Kido Nurseries cyber attack
The early years sector and beyond has been shocked by last week’s cyber attack on Kido international nurseries which has 18 settings in London alone. Cyber criminals hacked into Kido’s system and started releasing details about their children on the dark web – threatening to release all 8,000 children’s details if they didn’t get paid.… Continue reading NDNA Response to the Kido Nurseries cyber attack
Generational paperchains – an interview with The Nursery In Belong
The Nursery in Belong, Chester, won NDNA’s Nursery of the Year 2025. We recently sat down for an interview with the setting for our Autumn 2025 edition of Nursery News for some insight into their approach. You’re a multi award-winning nursery – what in a nutshell makes you stand out as a provider of excellence? … Continue reading Generational paperchains – an interview with The Nursery In Belong
Early years activity: Rainbow Fruits of Africa
Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate and value the rich cultures, traditions and contributions of Black heritage. Food is a wonderful way to explore diversity – it brings people together and helps children learn about different places and traditions. South Africa, for example, is home to a wide variety of delicious fruits that… Continue reading Early years activity: Rainbow Fruits of Africa
Top tips: Incorporating Black History month into the setting
Black History Month is a great opportunity for nurseries to celebrate diversity, culture and achievement. It’s important to keep things fun, engaging and age-appropriate by focusing on stories, music, food and creativity that children can relate to. The aim is not just to mark one month, but to create a setting where all children feel… Continue reading Top tips: Incorporating Black History month into the setting
Early years expert consultancy
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NDNA quiz – Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) comparison quiz
Test your knowledge with our Early Years Foundation Stage 2025 comparison quiz and download a pdf version to use in staff meetings below.
Top tips: Hosting a community event
Hosting a community event fosters strong relationships between families, staff and the wider community. It creates a sense of belonging, encourages parental involvement and supports children’s social development. Events also provide opportunities for learning through play, cultural celebrations and community partnerships. Additionally, they can raise awareness, support local causes and enhance the nursery’s reputation, making… Continue reading Top tips: Hosting a community event
Early years activity: Harvest treasure hunt
A harvest treasure hunt activity can help children develop physical skills through movement and improves problem-solving as they search and sort items. It supports early maths through counting and categorising, while enhancing language skills as they learn new words. It’s a fun, engaging way to support multiple areas of early learning. Harvest treasure hunt learning… Continue reading Early years activity: Harvest treasure hunt
NDNA recognised as one of UK’s Best Workplaces in Charity sector
The 2025 UK’s Best Workplaces in Charity & Not-For-Profit™ list was revealed yesterday by Great Place To Work® UK, recognising NDNA among the list in both the Charity and Not for Profit and Education and Training categories. 67% of employees at National Day Nurseries Association say it is a great place to work*, compared to 54% of employees at a… Continue reading NDNA recognised as one of UK’s Best Workplaces in Charity sector
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Top tips: Outdoor Play Made Easy
Spending time outside, particularly in nature, is good for everyone, regardless of age. Outdoor play boosts children’s physical health and general well-being, while giving parents a chance to relax, connect and enjoy some quality time together. Here are some tips to support you in getting everyone outside! Top Outdoor Play Made Easy tips NDNA products… Continue reading Top tips: Outdoor Play Made Easy
Early years activity: Flying High
Explore flight and cause and effect with our hands-on kite making activity. Children design and assemble their own kites, then take them outdoors to run, fly and watch them soar and dance in the wind. Recycling junk play learning aims Resources you will need for this activity Recycling junk play activity outline How to extend… Continue reading Early years activity: Flying High
Olivia Bailey and Josh MacAlister appointed as new education ministers
Olivia Bailey, Minister for Early Education
Ofsted publishes new inspection framework
Ofsted has published its new inspection framework today (Tuesday 9 September) for all remits which will be implemented from 10 November for early years settings. Nurseries will be inspected every four years on average rather than the current six years. There are five new gradings based on the “report card” system outlined in the recent… Continue reading Ofsted publishes new inspection framework
Top tips: Recycling tips
Teaching children about recycling can help them to develop lifelong skills for sustainability and caring for the environment. Review our top tips to encourage children and families to take part in recycling projects in your setting and the local community. Top recycling tips NDNA products to support you with this tip Environmental Sustainability Policy –… Continue reading Top tips: Recycling tips