The Department for Education has published new guidance which comes into force from April. However, one aspect (when councils can withdraw funding as a result of lower Ofsted gradings), begins with immediate effect. NDNA gave feedback to the DfE before the publication date – some of this feedback has resulted in planned changes not being made but some feedback has been… Continue reading What are the changes to Government guidance and what is NDNA doing to support members?
Regions: England
Early Years Advisor (Champions Programme)
Responsible to: Early Years Advisor (Deputy Champions Lead) Location: Hybrid or Home Based Salary: Band D Contract: Temporary until 31 December 2028 (subject to contract) Hours: 37 hours per week (with flexibility to allow for evening and occasional weekend work) National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) is the national charity… Continue reading Early Years Advisor (Champions Programme)
Government research shows school-based nurseries are not delivering flexible provision to its communities
The latest research into school-based nurseries (SBNs) has highlighted significant challenges in delivering flexible childcare that many families rely on. This raises important questions about whether the Government’s £400 million investment is being directed where it can have the greatest impact on our youngest children. It has also reinforced the crucial role that PVI nurseries… Continue reading Government research shows school-based nurseries are not delivering flexible provision to its communities
One in seven childcare professionals paid around minimum wages
The Low Pay Commission – the body which recommends minimum statutory wage rates to the Government – has published its report for 2025: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/low-pay-commission-report-2025 Their report contains all the research, engagement and data which formed the basis of the recommendations to the Chancellor last November to increase the rates to the new levels which come… Continue reading One in seven childcare professionals paid around minimum wages
Local authorities to propose school-based nurseries for phase three
The DfE has today (Wednesday 4 February) published guidance for submitting proposals for its third phase of school-based nurseries funding. This pot of money – almost £325 million – will be made available for: Tim McLachlan, Chief Executive of NDNA said: “The Government has left the ground-work and local decision-making for the next round of… Continue reading Local authorities to propose school-based nurseries for phase three
IFS: This year’s funding rates 22% lower in real terms than in 2017
The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) annual report on education spending in England shows how spending on education and in particular early years has dropped per child in real terms. Most notably, despite record investment in funded places, the Government is paying 22% less in real terms to providers than it was in 2017 when… Continue reading IFS: This year’s funding rates 22% lower in real terms than in 2017
Early years recognised across the New Year Honours list
Early years professionals have been celebrated in the New Year Honours list, highlighting the vital role they play in shaping children’s outcomes and futures. This year’s recognition spans practitioners, managers and nursery owners, reflecting the breadth of dedication and expertise within the sector. These honours underline how nurseries are at the heart of communities, supporting… Continue reading Early years recognised across the New Year Honours list
Above inflation funding rates announced for 2026-27
The Government has published its new hourly funding rates for the funded early education and childcare entitlements for 2026-27. All three rates will increase at a higher rate than the National Living Wage rise. The Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) gets a significant increase too. However, although this will cover the majority of staff, rises… Continue reading Above inflation funding rates announced for 2026-27
Ofsted new framework: when councils could withdraw funding
With the new Ofsted inspection framework in place from 10 November, NDNA has been asking the Department for Education to clarify whether councils would be allowed to withdraw funding for poor inspection results. And if so, at what level? The Department for Education has now responded to explain that local authorities would have the power… Continue reading Ofsted new framework: when councils could withdraw funding
Latest provider survey shows importance of PVI providers
New figures from the government’s 2025 Childcare and Early Years Providers Survey show how significant private, voluntary and independent (PVI) nurseries are in delivering early education and care places for children and families. The report also reveals continued pressures on staffing and sustainability across the sector. Headline findings Tim McLachlan, Chief Executive of NDNA, said:… Continue reading Latest provider survey shows importance of PVI providers
Ofsted annual report: Childcare deserts and more babies in nurseries
The latest Ofsted annual report has been released, with Sir Martyn Oliver setting out that supporting children in their earliest years is the best way to tackle inequalities and disadvantage. Despite mounting pressures, early years settings continue to shine. 98% were judged ‘outstanding’ or ‘good’ at their last inspection, a testament to the sector’s resilience… Continue reading Ofsted annual report: Childcare deserts and more babies in nurseries
EYFS results: Children overall making better progress
More children are at the expected level of development and also more are making good progress, according to the latest statistics from the Department for Education (DfE). The EYFS profile results showed that the gap is reducing slightly between: But the gap is widening between those who are eligible for free school meals and those who aren’t eligible. The results… Continue reading EYFS results: Children overall making better progress
Numbers of PVI nurseries increase for the second year running
According to the latest Ofsted statistics, there are 260 more private, voluntary and independent nurseries and pre-schools (childcare on non domestic premises) compared with last year. Ofsted’s statistical release Childcare providers and inspections as at 31 August 2025 also shows that 98% of nurseries were judged as “good” or “outstanding” at their last inspection. Although numbers… Continue reading Numbers of PVI nurseries increase for the second year running
Nursery employment programme ready to launch for veterans and partners
National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) is delivering paid training and work experience placements for armed forces veterans and veterans’ partners thanks to a grant from The Veterans’ Foundation. NDNA‘s Childcare Works supported employment project will offer a training pathway to a fulfilling career in early education and care to interested veterans and partners of veterans. … Continue reading Nursery employment programme ready to launch for veterans and partners
Government Pulse survey shows most nursery costs higher than income
The latest Government Pulse survey of providers from 2024-25 showed that nurseries are still under a lot of financial stress and struggling to expand in order to meet demand for funded places. The report which was published on 31 October painted a concerning picture for PVI nurseries and in many cases, for nurseries in schools. Workforce… Continue reading Government Pulse survey shows most nursery costs higher than income
Council u-turn hits Hampshire nurseries
NDNA is calling for urgent action after Hampshire County Council failed to deliver its commitment to early years funding on summer term figures, leaving settings thousands of pounds out of pocket, with some facing shortfalls of up to 50%. Hampshire providers were repeatedly assured that the government’s expansion grant would be calculated based on the… Continue reading Council u-turn hits Hampshire nurseries
Early intervention programme Maths Champions expands to 1,810 new settings
Maths Champions, a professional development programme delivered by National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA), is scaling up to transform early years maths across England. The aim of this innovative early intervention programme is to improve children’s maths outcomes by improving the knowledge, skills and confidence of the practitioners working with them. Following a successful rollout to… Continue reading Early intervention programme Maths Champions expands to 1,810 new settings
Ofsted inspection framework 2025
Ofsted inspection framework 2025 FAQs
More than £65 million for childcare expansion not reaching providers
Millions of pounds of Government money intended to support early years providers to create more places to meet demand for the childcare expansion has still not reached providers. Research and analysis carried out by the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests discovered that large amounts of two funds to support… Continue reading More than £65 million for childcare expansion not reaching providers
EPI report: Absence rates are increasing among youngest children
The Education Policy Institute (EPI) has analysed the latest DfE statistics on pupil absence – overall absence in schools is reducing but they are some concerns. One of their recommendations is for the Government to focus on and invest in early years to improve children’s outcomes. EPI’s analysis of the absence figures show: They are… Continue reading EPI report: Absence rates are increasing among youngest children