Regions: England

New Education Secretary recognises importance of early years

The new Secretary of State for Education Nadhim Zahawi made his first speech at the Conservative party conference yesterday.   Mr Zahawi talked about the importance of early education and language acquisition for children’s educational outcomes. Purnima Tanuku OBE, Chief Executive of NDNA, said: “It is refreshing to hear the Secretary of State for Education recognising… Continue reading New Education Secretary recognises importance of early years

Reducing ratios newspaper article – NDNA’s response

A front page article in the Telegraph on Saturday suggested that the Government is looking at reducing ratios of children to adults in childcare settings in England. The article – which gave no named sources for this information – said that “education officials” argued that this would drive childcare costs down for parents. Having been on the… Continue reading Reducing ratios newspaper article – NDNA’s response

Shadow Education Minister addresses Labour party conference

The Shadow Education Minister Kate Green MP addressed the Labour party conference today. Her speech detailed how the next Labour government would overcome the challenges of the pandemic to deliver an education system that equips children for the future. The speech referenced the Children’s Recovery Plan, first released in June 2021. The document sets out… Continue reading Shadow Education Minister addresses Labour party conference

Nurseries dazzle at the Nursery World Awards 2021

The Nursery World Awards 2021 ceremony took place on Saturday night (25 September) at the Brewery in London and a number of NDNA members were crowned winners.   NDNA’s Chief Executive Purnima Tanuku OBE and Director of Business Development Cara Brundle attended the in-person ceremony. Purnima presented the award for Nursery Operations/Regional Manager to Carly… Continue reading Nurseries dazzle at the Nursery World Awards 2021

Business rates for nurseries in England

One of NDNA’s campaign objectives is to make business rates for nurseries exempt. Making business rates for nurseries exempt would save settings an average of £21,000 a year and would also benefit voluntary sector providers who are currently eligible for reliefs of 80% of their business rates bills.

Birth to 5 Matters

Birth to 5 Matters is guidance produced by the sector, for the sector, to support the implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage in England. What is Birth to 5 Matters? Birth to 5 Matters is non-statutory guidance that practitioners may use to support their implementation of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation… Continue reading Birth to 5 Matters

30 Hours – Childcare provider resources

Downloadable 30 hours resources for nurseries to support parents Download this 30 hours communications toolkit from HMRC below to help you support parents with registering and managing 30 hours. Please also remind parents to reconfirm their eligibility for 30 hours every three months.  See 30 hours FAQs here.

Easy as ABC – NDNA hosts our biggest virtual event

Early years phenomenon Alistair Bryce-Clegg gave hundreds of nursery owners, managers and practitioners an hour of inspiration and entertainment in a free event to thank the sector. The former nursery teacher mesmerised about 400 nursery practitioners with his real-life hilarious stories but also spoke passionately about how to give children the best learning opportunities while… Continue reading Easy as ABC – NDNA hosts our biggest virtual event

NDNA appoints new Chair of Trustees

National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) has appointed Sarah Steel, the CEO of the Old Station Nursery group as their new Chair of Trustees. Sarah Steel is succeeding Sarah Carr OBE who has been a Board Member and Chair of Trustees since 2001. She was confirmed at a meeting of the Board on Wednesday 15th September… Continue reading NDNA appoints new Chair of Trustees

Minister denies early years sector is in crisis

Children and Families Minister Vicky Ford told a packed parliamentary debate that there were no issues with funding, sufficiency, childcare costs, closures or practitioners living in poverty. The debate was sparked by a petition signed by well over 100,000 people calling for an independent review into early years funding in England. Vicky Ford announced that… Continue reading Minister denies early years sector is in crisis

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

Local authorities remain concerned about future of childcare sector

The report, funded by Nuffield Foundation, focuses on the role played by local authorities (LA) in supporting parents and childcare providers during the pandemic, the impacts of Covid on local childcare, and how the pandemic experience may permanently change the LA role in the sector. Key findings from the report include:  Demand for parent paid… Continue reading Local authorities remain concerned about future of childcare sector