Regions: All

Take nurseries out of unfunded NIC increases – sign the petition 

With National Insurance Contribution (NIC) changes about to hit underfunded nurseries and increase the cost of childcare, NDNA is fully supporting a new petition to exempt childcare settings.   This was launched by NDNA’s Nottinghamshire network chair Karen Richards in December but has taken months to go through the Petitions Committee’s clearance process.  According to NDNA’s… Continue reading Take nurseries out of unfunded NIC increases – sign the petition 

NICs debated in Parliament: “different treatment” for maintained nurseries highlighted   

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The Department for Education has published how it will deliver £25 million of additional funding to help schools with early years provision and publicly maintained settings. The funding for 2025/26 is to support those settings with NICs costs relating to both teachers and support staff costs associated with the increase to NICs.  The NICs grant  will provide additional funding in respect… Continue reading NICs debated in Parliament: “different treatment” for maintained nurseries highlighted   

Coram report: cost of childcare increasing in Wales and Scotland but halved in England

Coram’s annual childcare report 2025 shows just how much the funded entitlement can support parents with the average childcare bill halving for parents in England. https://www.familyandchildcaretrust.org/childcare-survey-2025 However, those who are not eligible have seen their bills rising by £100 a week or more. In Scotland and Wales where expansion of places for two year olds… Continue reading Coram report: cost of childcare increasing in Wales and Scotland but halved in England

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 

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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 

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