Messy play should be considered an essential part of early childhood. When children’s curiosity is invited and encouraged and if they are given the freedom to explore and discover, then play can certainly get messy. Embracing messy play offers a chance to foster a fun, inclusive, learning environment with the opportunity to engage with different… Continue reading Top tips: Messy moments
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Early years activity: Making, shaping and exploring dough
This is an easy, accessible activity that encourages creativity, sensory exploration and expands vocabulary. In this activity children create their own dough and get to explore its properties by mixing, rolling, stretching and shaping it into various forms. It’s a fun way to incorporate early learning concepts such as shape, colour and numbers while encouraging… Continue reading Early years activity: Making, shaping and exploring dough
Inclusion in early years
Everyone has the right to be treated equally without prejudice or discrimination. So how can you support inclusion in early years? What is inclusion? The Early Childhood Forum’s definition of inclusion is “a process of identifying, understanding and breaking down barriers to participation and belonging.” Early years settings must promote an inclusive environment in which… Continue reading Inclusion in early years
Sarah Steel former NDNA Chair of Trustees honoured with OBE
Sarah Steel, who ran Old Station Nurseries and was NDNA’s Chair of Trustees until earlier this year, has been given an OBE for services to early education in the King’s Birthday Honours List. Sarah has been a long-time NDNA member and trustee alongside her career which started in a single site family-run nursery. She founded… Continue reading Sarah Steel former NDNA Chair of Trustees honoured with OBE
Top tips: Differentiation for children with SEND
Providing equality of opportunity for all children, may incorporate differentiating aspects of your curriculum or provision to provide meaningful learning opportunities for children with SEND. Review our top tips on differentiation against your own daily practice. Top tips for differentiation for children with SEND NDNA products to support you with this tip Disclaimer: Activities with… Continue reading Top tips: Differentiation for children with SEND
Early Years Maths Activity: Sorting Socks
Develop children’s mathematical understanding by using everyday items to sort into matching pairs. Socks are a great way to look at patterns, similarities and differences, and provide problem solving opportunities for children. Learning aims Resources you will need Sorting Socks activity guide How can you extend this Sorting Socks activity? Provide a basket of socks,… Continue reading Early Years Maths Activity: Sorting Socks
NDNA Celebrates Talent and Professionalism at Prestigious Awards Ceremony
National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) took to the stage to celebrate the talent, dedication and professionalism in the early years sector at its annual conference and awards ceremony. The NDNA conference 2025: ‘Every child’s story starts with early years’ brought members and sector experts together to share and inspire innovation for the future of the… Continue reading NDNA Celebrates Talent and Professionalism at Prestigious Awards Ceremony
Chancellor’s spending review plans for the future, but sector needs investment now
Today, Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her Spending Review, setting out budgets for all government departments over the next few years. She begun by stating: “We are renewing Britain – but I know that too many people in too many parts of our country are yet to feel it.” It was anticipated that the Chancellor would… Continue reading Chancellor’s spending review plans for the future, but sector needs investment now
EYFS: in the moment planning in nurseries
Find out more about in the moment planning in nurseries and how it can benefit both children and nursery staff. What is in the moment planning? This means planning for children’s learning in the moment. It is about observing children, joining in with their play and using it to move their learning forward. How do… Continue reading EYFS: in the moment planning in nurseries
Thank you for joining myNDNA!
We are delighted to welcome you as a member of myNDNA. Please look out for the email to set up your account on the NDNA website: www.ndna.org.uk. Please note: this email may go to your spam or junk folder.
My special star – Inclusive Father’s Day craft activity
Children create a bright, colourful star-shaped suncatcher to celebrate someone special in their life. The star symbolises how their special person lights up their world – whether that’s a dad, mum, grandparent, carer, or another important person. This activity offers a colourful way to celebrate love that’s adaptable, inclusive, and enjoyable. Inclusive Father’s Day activity… Continue reading My special star – Inclusive Father’s Day craft activity
SEND in early years
Every child deserves the best possible start in life, with the right support to help them achieve their potential. The early years are a critical time, as experiences from birth to five strongly influence future life chances. High Quality Inclusive Practice SEND refers to children who need extra support with learning and development, or who… Continue reading SEND in early years
NDNA Conference 2025: Practice Stream on Demand
Missed a live Virtual Practice stream session or want to revisit your favourite talks from the NDNA Conference 2025? Watch at your convenience and continue your professional development with insights, ideas and inspiration from leading early years experts. Your sessions:
Employment tribunals and early years: what you need to know
Running an early years’ business means you’ve already got plenty on your plate – from supporting children to managing day-to-day operations, dealing with an employment tribunal is likely the last thing you want to think about. But with 97,000 claims made in 2023/24 – and the highest award reaching £995,000 – it’s an issue that’s… Continue reading Employment tribunals and early years: what you need to know
Top tips: Supporting children with their communication and language
A well designed environment promotes social interaction, removes communication barriers and builds essential learning skills. Prioritising positive communication spaces ensures every child thrives, regardless of ability or background. Language and communication skills grow best with rich exposure to sounds, sights, speech and daily interactions with others. Explore our top tips and reflect on your daily… Continue reading Top tips: Supporting children with their communication and language
Early years activity: Fruit kebabs (The Very Hungry Caterpillar)
This week’s activity brings The Very Hungry Caterpillar story to life through a fun and interactive fruit kebab making session. As children create their own fruit kebabs, they’ll reinforce the story’s themes of healthy eating and develop their fine motor skills. It’s a great way for children to connect with the story and enjoy a… Continue reading Early years activity: Fruit kebabs (The Very Hungry Caterpillar)
Top tips – Safe bites: food safety essentials
Ensuring food safety is a key factor in safeguarding children’s health and well-being. Here are some practical, easy to follow tips designed to help you effectively manage food safety and create a secure, hygienic environment for everyone. Top tips for food safety NDNA products to support you with this tip Food Safety and Hygiene –… Continue reading Top tips – Safe bites: food safety essentials
Early years activity: Smoothie sensation
Explore healthy eating with this hands-on smoothie making activity. Children mix and match ingredients to create a sensational smoothie, supporting confidence in trying new tastes and an appreciation of healthy, nutritious food. Smoothie sensation activity learning aims This early years activity will help children to: Resources you will need Smoothie sensation activity outline How to… Continue reading Early years activity: Smoothie sensation
Managing people in a nursery
Why are nursery leadership and management skills important? Effective nursery leadership and management skills are crucial to running a successful early years settings. If a nursery is strong in this area, it will lead to a happy and high performing team, good inspection outcomes, and most importantly, better outcomes for the children. For instance, in… Continue reading Managing people in a nursery
Oral health in early years: Healthy mouths, healthy children
Find out about the importance of good oral health in early years, as well as how to support it in your setting. Looking after children’s teeth is essential for keeping their whole bodies healthy. Creating good oral health habits early is essential to preventing and controlling tooth decay. Tooth decay is largely preventable but is… Continue reading Oral health in early years: Healthy mouths, healthy children