National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) is proud to champion the vital role that private, voluntary and independent (PVI) nurseries play in giving children aged 0–5 years the best possible start in life. As the backbone of early years education in the UK, PVI nurseries are already delivering high-quality care, education and support to families across every community – and we are so proud of you.
Let’s change the narrative and highlight the need for equitable treatment across all early years settings.
Why do PVI nurseries matter?
80% of funded under three-year-old childcare places are delivered by PVI settings.
They offer flexible, year-round care that meets the needs of working families.
PVI nurseries are deeply embedded in local communities, responding quickly to demand and providing inclusive, tailored support.
At NDNA, we know PVI nurseries already offer rich, play-based learning environments tailored to the needs of each individual child.
How PVI nurseries deliver the best start
Early education that works for everyone
PVI nurseries provide both 15 and 30 hour entitlements, offering flexible hours and locations that make early education accessible to families in urban, rural and underserved areas. Their inclusive environments welcome children from all backgrounds, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.
PVI nurseries follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, delivering play-based learning that nurtures communication, physical development and emotional well-being. Many offer enriched experiences like forest school, music and language classes.
Support for families in every community
From parenting workshops to SEND inclusion, PVI nurseries build strong relationships with families, offering wraparound support that goes beyond childcare. Their trusted partnerships help children thrive both at nursery and at home.
PVI nurseries play a vital role in preparing children for the transition into reception class. Many PVI settings also maintain strong relationships with local primary schools, which supports continuity in learning and smooth transitions for families. As a result, retention rates are impressive, with over 90% of children moving seamlessly into primary education from these settings.
Inspirational early experiences
Inclusive care in nursery means no child is left behind and quality starts with skilled, experienced early years educators. Early years teams in nurseries drive innovation and with personalised development tracking and close collaboration with local schools.
Through high-quality early years education, they focus on developing key skills such as communication, social interaction and early literacy and numeracy, ensuring children are confident and ready for school.
The challenge
PVI nurseries face significant funding pressures:
- They receive £4 less per child per hour than maintained nursery schools
- Government messaging around ‘free hours’ is damaging the crucial relationship between nurseries and parents
- Children risk losing access to high-quality early education if settings cannot remain financially sustainable
- Instability in the sector means families may face fewer choices and disrupted continuity of care, which is vital for a child’s development
- New guidance about restrictions on parental charges threatens their sustainability
- Workforce shortages and rising costs are putting quality provision at risk
- All this extra admin is taking nursery leaders away from doing what they do best – educating and caring for our youngest children.
Our call to action
NDNA is lobbying for:
- Investment in workforce development and retention
- Fair, sustainable funding for PVI nurseries
- Recognition of their role in the Best Start in Life strategy.
We need to raise the profile of what you do, and have been doing for decades, to give children the best start in life.
Join the campaign
Help us celebrate and protect the incredible work of PVI nurseries:
- Share your story: How does your nursery give children the best start?
- Parents: Tell us how your nursery supports your family
- Contact your MP, local media and community using our downloadable resources.
Together, we can ensure every child gets the best start in life.
Downloads
Use our MP, parent and journalist letter templates to support the campaign.
