Regions: England

Government funding plans for 2024-2025 – have your say

The Department for Education (DfE) has announced a consultation into how the funded entitlements will be calculated for the expanded childcare offer from April 2024. The “expected average rate” is currently £8.17 for two-year-olds and £11.06 per hour for under twos. The same rate will be used for disadvantaged two-year-olds who are currently eligible for… Continue reading Government funding plans for 2024-2025 – have your say

Nine in ten councils fear they won’t have nursery capacity for expansion 

New research by the Local Government Association reveals that nursery closures this year will have a dramatic impact on the Government’s planned extension of the 30 hours free childcare scheme.  Nine in ten councils fear that they will not have capacity to deliver the scheme universally next year as planned due to insufficient funding. In… Continue reading Nine in ten councils fear they won’t have nursery capacity for expansion 

Latest Ofsted stats show 650 nurseries fewer and almost one in five nurseries given poor grading

Statistics word on wooden table

Ofsted’s latest data release has revealed that there are 7% fewer early providers and 2% fewer places for children in England. The picture looks grim for nurseries and pre-schools, with a net loss of 651 settings on the EY register in just one year and more than 4,000 places lost since August alone. Inspectors have… Continue reading Latest Ofsted stats show 650 nurseries fewer and almost one in five nurseries given poor grading

Nursery closure rates up fifty per cent on last year

closed square grunge isolated stamp. closed sign

Nurseries continue to close at a faster rate than previously, with fifty per cent more closures in 2022-23 compared with the previous year, according to research by National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA). As the early years sector in England is preparing for a massive expansion of Government-funded childcare from April 2024, this raises serious questions… Continue reading Nursery closure rates up fifty per cent on last year

Government to consult on further changes to the EYFS

The Department for Education has launched an eight week consultation on possible changes to the Early Years Foundation Stage as part of reforms they hope will help providers. They are proposing changes to the EYFS framework to tailor the content to different types of provider as well as make practical changes aiming to: Offer providers… Continue reading Government to consult on further changes to the EYFS

Tax-Free Childcare: Parents only using half of accounts

The Government has published its latest statistics for Tax-Free Childcare showing that half of all open accounts are not even used. There was a dip in numbers of people using TFC in June but otherwise more people are using the support than previously. However, only 50% of open accounts were used in April which means… Continue reading Tax-Free Childcare: Parents only using half of accounts

NDNA July network chairs meeting

Monday, 4 July 2022, 11.00am-12.40pm (via Zoom) Please find in this article a summary of the England Network Chairs’ Meeting of 4th July 2022. We have summarised the key points raised by the Network Chairs. They represent 44 networks across England. Networks allow nursery providers to share experiences and establish a collective voice to ensure… Continue reading NDNA July network chairs meeting

Government rejects calls for review into early years funding system

The Government has responded to a report, published by the Petitions Committee which called for a review into the current childcare system. It said in its response that it is “not currently planning a review of the childcare system”. The Government believes that currently “support is available to help with childcare costs” and that it… Continue reading Government rejects calls for review into early years funding system

Government is underfunding us – 95% of nurseries say

A comprehensive survey probing private, voluntary and independent nurseries’ financial sustainability has uncovered a dire picture with 85% of childcare businesses in England making a loss or only breaking even. Ahead of the Comprehensive Spending Review, National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) reveals the shocking landscape in which nurseries and childcare settings are operating, with 95%… Continue reading Government is underfunding us – 95% of nurseries say

Champions Programmes

Boost your team’s confidence and skills in maths, communication & language, and SEND provision with NDNA’s award-winning Champions programmes.  Hear from existing Maths, Communication & Language, and SEND Champions and find out how the projects benefited their settings. Each programme offers a range of support from our early years experts, training and resources. Each programme is… Continue reading Champions Programmes

An introduction to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) training

Understand the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory framework with NDNA’s training course. Course details Duration: Half day Who should attend: Owners, managers and practitioners What will I learn? This half-day EYFS training course will provide you with a clear overview of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage, including the background to its introduction, how… Continue reading An introduction to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) training

Advanced Safeguarding training for nursery Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs)

This two-part training course will give you the skills to be a DSL in a nursery or early years setting, and the ability to deliver safeguarding training to your team. Course details Duration: Full day face to face course and online training courseWho should attend: Nursery professionals acting as the DSLs. Learners must complete a basic safeguarding… Continue reading Advanced Safeguarding training for nursery Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs)

NDNATalk England – virtual

Our England event provides you with the latest sector updates and support in policy and practice from the experts.  And best of all? It’s free to members. When: 26 March 2025, 4-6pmWhere: VirtualPrice: FREE to NDNA members (£50 for non-members) More speakers to be announced soon

NDNA tells MPs simplify funding rules to help parents and providers

NDNA’s Director of Policy and Communications, Jonathan Broadbery, today gave evidence to the Department of Work and Pension’s Select Committee regarding how parents on Universal Credit accessed quality early education and childcare places. He also highlighted the wider issues the sector is facing and advanced NDNA’s case for increased investment and a simplified childcare system for parents… Continue reading NDNA tells MPs simplify funding rules to help parents and providers

Ofsted: guidance on significant events or changes to health

NDNA had an urgent meeting today (13 January) with Ofsted about the guidance document ‘Childcare: reporting significant events and changes to health’. This has been taken down by Ofsted for review and we welcome this approach. We understand that it will be made clearer that the guidance will only apply to the registered person whose suitability… Continue reading Ofsted: guidance on significant events or changes to health

How many nursery staff and children are absent – January quick poll

NDNA put together a very short survey for all nurseries across England, Scotland and Wales to find out the proportion of members of staff and children who are currently absent from their early years setting. The survey simply asks what percentage of usual numbers of staff and children are absent during this week (week commencing 17 January). Please… Continue reading How many nursery staff and children are absent – January quick poll