what have we been doing about this issue?

We have been working hard to represent the sector on this important issue, highlighting to government why issues must be resolved. We have been consistently working to ensure that the problems with the free entitlement remain high on the agenda. Our work played a critical part in achieving the funding reforms announced in 2007 and we continue to call for significant change and highlight that providers need support. Remember, our regional representatives can help you. Click here to find out how to contact them.

Some of the actions we are taking include:

• Highlighting the importance of resolving the issues with free nursery education to all politicians
• Undertaking research to evidence the problems you face, and gathering evidence about the impact of new developments
• We have had more than 600 articles and items published across all types of media where we shared how the issues threaten you, and the implications this has for children. This work is ongoing, with NDNA responding to new developments and constantly highlighting the issue with the media
• Providing opportunities for you to meet and question policymakers and share your views through consultation exercises such as when the new Code of Practice was being developed
• Supporting you directly to work with your local authority to resolve issues and highlight your needs with hands on support, including through help to create local nursery networks. Click here if you would like to find out more about networks (you will need to ensure you are logged in for this link to be active)
• Ongoing meetings with all political parties and policy makers so that we can share more about the issues you face, and suggest ways that you can be supported.

This is just some of the work we have been doing to resolve the issue. The campaign for fairer funding for the free entitlement is complex, and we are working to press for change regarding the problems in the system. In addition to under-funding, NDNA members have also faced local issues which we have been working to resolve. If you wish to speak to us about how this can help support you, click here to find out who your local representative is.