Regions: Scotland

Many Scottish nurseries suffering real terms cut in ELC funding rates despite increased costs

Almost one in five Scottish local authorities will not be increasing their hourly early learning and childcare funding rates for three to five-year-old’s once the 1140 hours policy is mandatory from August. NDNA Scotland put out an FOI to all Scottish local authorities asking what they will be paying childcare providers for the 1140 hour… Continue reading Many Scottish nurseries suffering real terms cut in ELC funding rates despite increased costs

High employment rates will put stress on early years recruitment

The Office for National Statistics released its latest figures for the UK labour market this week. Employment is estimated at 75.4% – 1.1 percentage points lower than pre-pandemic levels, but 0.4 percentage points higher than last quarter. Unemployment figures came in at 4.3, a decrease of 0.5 percentage points and is only marginally higher then… Continue reading High employment rates will put stress on early years recruitment

NDNA Scotland publishes early learning and childcare election manifesto

This election represents a chance for the next Scottish Government to get it right for early learning and childcare (ELC) as National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) Scotland has published key issues for children, families and nurseries ahead of the May elections. NDNA Scotland’s manifesto, Getting ELC Right for Scotland’s Children, focuses on improving the funding… Continue reading NDNA Scotland publishes early learning and childcare election manifesto

Financial Sustainability Health Check reveals evidence on sector’s sustainability

The Scottish Government has published the findings of its Financial Sustainability Health Check of the Childcare Sector in Scotland. The purpose of the research was to collect evidence on the sustainability of the childcare sector, in particular in light of the impacts of COVID-19. Some of the findings included that providers have faced increased costs… Continue reading Financial Sustainability Health Check reveals evidence on sector’s sustainability

UNCRC for nurseries

In January 2024, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024 gained Royal Assent, successfully incorporating the UNCRC into Scots Law. As a sector, Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) already take a child’s rights-based approach to working with children, however as time goes on the landscape of children’s… Continue reading UNCRC for nurseries

NDNA Scotland Policy Advisory Board

NDNA Scotland Policy Advisory Board advises the Strategic Board on policy issues. It is made up national and regional chairs and additional members with specific areas of expertise. East and Midlothian Network Chair – Fabrina Tavasolian Edinburgh Network Chair – Sandy Towers Sandy is the nursery director of a setting located in a suburb of… Continue reading NDNA Scotland Policy Advisory Board

NDNA Policy Advisory Board

NDNA’s Policy Advisory Board advises the Strategic Board on policy issues. It is made up of all members of the Strategic Board and additional members with specific areas of expertise. The Policy Advisory Board is made up of NDNA Trustees plus the following people:

Named Person and Child’s Plan provisions in Parts 4 and 5 of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014

As you may be aware, the commencement of the Named Person and Child’s Plan provisions in Parts 4 and 5 of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014 is scheduled for 31 August 2016. A judicial review has been brought against the Named Person and the information sharing provisions of the Act, with a… Continue reading Named Person and Child’s Plan provisions in Parts 4 and 5 of the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014

UNCRC Incorporation delayed by Supreme Court judgement

Today the UK Supreme Court ruled that four aspects of the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill will need to be re-considered by the Scottish Parliament. NDNA Scotland has joined with many voices across Scotland calling for this Bill to be given priority by the Scottish Government so children’s rights will be given the protection of the… Continue reading UNCRC Incorporation delayed by Supreme Court judgement

ELC offer saving families money – Scottish Government report

The Scottish Government has published its Early Learning and Childcare expansion delivery progress ELC) report revealing that the families of more than 79,000 children are saving almost £5,000 per child annually due to the ELC offer.   But NDNA Scotland says that the scheme is still underfunded and many providers are not being paid a… Continue reading ELC offer saving families money – Scottish Government report

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

New minister speaking at free member event

Scotland’s new Minister for Children and Young People Clare Haughey will be speaking to nursery owners and managers across the country about the future of early learning and childcare (ELC) and how UNCRC Incorporation will impact on ELC at a free event.   National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) Scotland organises two free events for members… Continue reading New minister speaking at free member event

Business Rates – Scotland

Since 1 April 2018 all Scottish nursery businesses receive full business rates relief following lobbying by NDNA and our members. Applying for day nursery business rates relief From 1 April 2018, nursery businesses in Scotland can apply for full business rates relief. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “You must make sure that you apply to… Continue reading Business Rates – Scotland

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

United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC): advice for nurseries and early years providers

All children have the right to grow up in an environment that meets their basic needs and allows them choices and decisions of their own. UNCRC in Scotland In March 2021, Scotland took the exciting step to incorporate the UNCRC in Scots Law. As a sector, ELC already take a child’s rights based approach to… Continue reading United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC): advice for nurseries and early years providers