Early years and childcare news

The latest early years and childcare news.

Ofsted Complaints Handling – you can now pause or defer an inspection

Ofsted has updated its policies on complaints handling including pausing an inspection in exceptional circumstances.

The regulator hopes that its new policy will make its handling complaints process fairer, thorough and efficient.

Ofsted Complaints Handling – you can now pause or defer an inspection

Childcare expansion begins from 1 April for parents of two-year-olds

The first phase of the government’s planned childcare expansion started 1 April which is set to benefit over 150,000 children.

From this week, parents of two-year-olds in England can access 15 hours a week of government-funded childcare.

Childcare expansion begins from 1 April for parents of two-year-olds

New Welsh Minister announced for Mental Health and Early Years

First Minister Vaughan Gething has today announced his new Welsh Government Cabinet which includes the appointment of a Minister for Mental Health and Early Years.

Jayne Bryant MS, is announced as the Minister for Mental Health & Early Years and is part of the ministerial team ‘for a Wales full of optimism, ambition and unity.’

New Welsh Minister announced for Mental Health and Early Years

Early years settings under pressure to deliver the places parents need

The Coram Family and Childcare’s latest annual survey, published today reveals that the availability of childcare places is decreasing across Britain and that parents are facing above-inflation childcare costs.

The report also highlights that there is insufficient childcare for children with disabilities and a particular lack of childcare places for families in rural areas.

Early years settings under pressure to deliver the places parents need

See all latest news stories

improve your practice for £25 at NDNA Conference

NDNA Conference 2024: Growing together

Championing change for children’s futures.

Be more informed and improve your practice for just £25 a ticket on Friday 7 June 2024 at Coventry Building Society Arena. Yes, you heard it right! To celebrate 25 years of NDNA being a charity, we are thrilled to launch all conference tickets to NDNA members for just £25.

Leaders and practitioners, we can’t wait to welcome you to our annual flagship event to keep you informed, improve your practice and continue growing together.

Book now

NDNA in the news

Take a look at NDNA’s media coverage.

NDNA press releases

Early years and childcare news: campaigns and reports

2023/24: State of the sector surveys

England State of the Sector survey
- See our results and analysis here.

Scotland State of the Sector surveys
- See our results and analysis here

Wales State of the Sector surveys
- See our results and analysis here.

#firstfiveyearscount: NDNA Super Stars

Be part of #firstfiveyearscount campaign and share your NDNA Super Star!

The Super Star is all about celebrating the incredible early years workforce. The NDNA Super Star is all about celebrating the early years workforce and the incredible impact they have on not just children, but families and communities as a whole.

Get your NDNA Super Star template here. Don’t forget to share your Super Stars with us and encourage parents to do the same.

Find out more

UNCRC

In March 2021, Scotland took the exciting step to incorporate the UNCRC in Scots Law. Our toolkit will explain what this is and how to do it.

Access UNCRC info

Maths Champions

NDNA’s Maths Champions programme aimed at increasing practitioner skills, knowledge, awareness and confidence in supporting early mathematics has been proved to boost young children’s maths skills by three months.

Incredible research results