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The importance of a solid foundation in physical development in early years

A solid foundation in physical development in early years, combined with a healthy, balanced diet, is crucial for children’s overall growth and development. Maintaining a healthy diet plays a significant role in a child’s well-being. A limited diet can lead to low energy levels, poor sleep, and dental health problems. Like adults, children are encouraged… Continue reading The importance of a solid foundation in physical development in early years

Budget 2024: higher employment costs but no additional support for nurseries

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Today the Chancellor delivered the first budget by a Labour government in 14 years announcing that it will raise taxes by £40bn. Rachel Reeves, the UK’s first female chancellor said: “We must restore economic credibility and protect working people”. Living up to Labour’s manifesto promises there were no increases to income tax, National Insurance (NI)… Continue reading Budget 2024: higher employment costs but no additional support for nurseries

Minimum wages to rise at above inflation rates

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National mandatory minimum wages are set to rise next year by between 6.7% and 18%. The Government has accepted the Low Pay Commission recommendations that the National Living Wage rises from £11.44 to £12.21 from April 2025. This 6.7% rise will benefit anyone aged 21 and over. The Labour Government’s intention is to give one… Continue reading Minimum wages to rise at above inflation rates

How NDNA gives nursery owners a stronger voice – sharing member concerns about the expansion of nurseries in schools 

At their conference in September, Labour announced its plan for 3,000 nurseries in schools to support the childcare expansion would begin from September 2025, with an initial 300 schools being involved. Understandably, many of our members raised concerns about this initiative and looked for support from NDNA to make sure that their concerns were heard.  … Continue reading How NDNA gives nursery owners a stronger voice – sharing member concerns about the expansion of nurseries in schools 

SEN system financially ‘unsustainable’ – NAO report 

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A National Audit Office report looking into the money spent to support children with special educational needs has concluded that children’s outcomes have not improved.  The report reported that 101 local authorities in England had overspent on their high needs block and 50% of children were waiting more than 20 weeks for an education health… Continue reading SEN system financially ‘unsustainable’ – NAO report 

CPOMS: The Market Leading Safeguarding Platform 

NDNA members who are new customers to CPOMS StudentSafe can save 5% off the software for the initial contract period to streamline your nursery’s child protection policies, enhance safeguarding concern monitoring and incident reporting processes.  Key Benefits of CPOMS StudentSafe for Nurseries 

Promoting language, communication and emotion regulation in children: neuroscience-based tips

In Professor Sam Wass’ research, he takes live ‘dual-brain’ recordings from young children and adults while they engage in interactions that involve language, communication and emotion regulation. His research, consistent with findings from other researchers around the world, has suggested that letting young children lead an interaction is crucial.   For example, children’s brains encode information… Continue reading Promoting language, communication and emotion regulation in children: neuroscience-based tips

The NDNA nursery awards are back for 2025!

Winner of the NDNA Nursery of the Year overall 2024

NDNA is pleased to announce the launch of the NDNA Awards 2025, sponsored by Hope, which are now open for entries to nurseries and NDNA networks across the UK.   The prestigious awards spotlight and celebrate leading talent in the early years sector and the winners of nine of the awards will be announced and… Continue reading The NDNA nursery awards are back for 2025!

How NDNA gives nursery owners a stronger voice and holds governments to account

Nursery owners and managers are always impacted by changes and initiatives made by governments, local authorities, government departments and others. You may wonder who can speak up for your concerns and represent your views and arguments. You may wonder how you, as a nursery owner, can reach those in power and try to influence decisions… Continue reading How NDNA gives nursery owners a stronger voice and holds governments to account

Large parts of UK classed as “childcare deserts”

A new report looking at childcare availability and accessibility in nine European countries and Australia showed England as being the second worst, next to France. Scotland was in the top three after two Nordic countries and Wales was mid-table. According to the report by Victoria University in Melbourne, 45% of England is a “childcare desert”,… Continue reading Large parts of UK classed as “childcare deserts”

Support launched to help parents make the first five years count 

Support and advice for parents of children under five will be the focus of a new campaign launched by early education and care charity National Day Nurseries Association.   With government support on childcare for children under three expanding in England, Scotland and Wales, NDNA has launched its parent campaign video. As part of the charity’s… Continue reading Support launched to help parents make the first five years count 

Aza & Sons Services 

Welcome to Aza & Sons Services, a trusted family-run business offering specialised plumbing, heating, gas, and air conditioning services tailored for nurseries and childcare facilities. With a strong commitment to quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer care, we are proud to be NDNA Corporate Members.   Make the most of 10% off Aza & Sons services as… Continue reading Aza & Sons Services 

First membership body supporting early education and care professionals  

The Institute of Early Years Education has been launched today (Wednesday 7th August).  It is the first UK-wide professional membership body for all individuals working, or aspiring to work, in the early education and care sector.   Powered by National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA), the Institute supports the personal and professional development of early education… Continue reading First membership body supporting early education and care professionals  

Wellbeing support announced for early years workforce

The new Institute of Early Years Education has joined forces with Spectrum.Life, a whole-of-health digital partner, to offer a healthy lifestyles package to anyone working in the early education and care sector who takes up membership. The healthy lifestyles member benefit is intended to give professionals working in the early education and care sector support… Continue reading Wellbeing support announced for early years workforce

Stephen Morgan MP officially Early Education minister 

The Department for Education (DfE) has officially confirmed Stephen Morgan MP as the Minister for Early Education this week (23 July).  In its pre-election manifesto, NDNA called on the new Government to change the language around early years and childcare to include the word education to reflect the importance of this stage of a child’s… Continue reading Stephen Morgan MP officially Early Education minister