The National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) is running its annual campaign, Healthy Body, Happy Me to encourage our youngest children to live happy, healthy and fulfilled lives. Our 2026 theme, Healthy Heroes, is all about celebrating the superpowers that help children grow strong, confident and resilient. From foods that energise to caring for your teeth, movement, rest and wellbeing, this year’s activities encourage little ones to discover that being… Continue reading Healthy Body, Happy Me 2026: Healthy Heroes
Regions: England
Join the next wave of NDNA Maths Champions programme: 5,000 new fully funded places for nurseries in England
We’re really pleased to announce that the Department for Education will fund 5,000 additional places on NDNA’s Maths Champions programme, opening the door for even more early years settings across England to take part. The programme supports nursery practitioners to feel more confident about maths and helps them recognise the many ways mathematical thinking can… Continue reading Join the next wave of NDNA Maths Champions programme: 5,000 new fully funded places for nurseries in England
NDNA launches annual survey for early years providers
We have launched our latest survey to gather vital, up to date evidence from nurseries across England on real experience from early years providers. This year’s survey focuses on the impact of rising costs and whether Government funding is keeping pace with the true cost of delivering high quality education. It will also explore the… Continue reading NDNA launches annual survey for early years providers
Sector needs clarity on ‘exceptional’ grading in New Ofsted report cards
The National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) is calling for clarity and fairness in how Ofsted applies its new inspection framework in early years settings. Our latest analysis shows a stark divide in ‘exceptional’ grades awarded under the new Ofsted report card system. Despite hundreds of providers being inspected this year, almost no private, voluntary or… Continue reading Sector needs clarity on ‘exceptional’ grading in New Ofsted report cards
Government guidance could put nursery children and staff at risk
Packed lunch policy supports nurseries to keep children safe in the face of Government guidance uncertainty The National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) is calling for the Government to be honest with parents about “free” childcare places and stop risking serious allergic reactions or choking by encouraging parents to supply their own food in nursery. Government-funded… Continue reading Government guidance could put nursery children and staff at risk
What are the changes to Government guidance and what is NDNA doing to support members?
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?
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