Quality Improvement

Strive for outstanding practice with NDNA’s Quality Improvement support.

We know you want to improve outcomes for the children in your setting by raising the quality of care you provide. Doing NDNA’s specialised training in this area or following a Quality Improvement Scheme will help you to review quality in all areas against a set of best practice standards, and strive for outstanding practice.

Why sign-up for a Quality Improvement scheme?

Many nurseries that complete Quality Improvement schemes go on to achieve or maintain an outstanding inspection judgement. Here are just some of the benefits:

  • Improve the outcomes of children in your nursery through enhanced care and learning opportunities
  • Stand out from the competition by promoting your quality award to parents
  • Improve teamwork and communication by ensuring all staff become fully involved.

e-Quality Counts update


The NDNA board of trustees have taken the decision to review the current e-Quality Counts scheme against the NDNA Quality Vision. The review and update will involve streamlining the process and placing more emphasis on self-reflection and less on evidence gathering and uploading. 

We are working with all settings that are currently working towards the scheme to complete it by November 2017. All awards will continue to be recognised for three years. All other settings will be transferred on to the new scheme in the Autumn. 

We will be piloting the new scheme during the summer with the new one expected to launch in October.

If you would like more information or would like to express your interest in the new scheme please contact laura.robshaw@ndna.org.uk 

Developing Outstanding Practice trainingHappy face

Raise your quality to outstanding by exploring a range of strategies to develop and enhance your practice with NDNA's Developing Outstanding Practice face to face course.

Find out more here or find a course near you here

Quality Teaching In Early Years trainingHappy children at nursery

Enable early years practitioners to raise the quality of their teaching and support children to make the best possible progress across the EYFS with this face to face course.

Find out more here or find a course near you here

Outstanding Practice: online training courseWoman doing online training

This new online course for leaders, managers and room supervisors will explore the underpinning principles of outstanding practice. It will help your team to work together to achieve the highest quality for children and families, and will also help you prepare for an inspection, ensuring you achieve the judgement you deserve.

Coming soon!

Don't just take our word for it...Boy doing thumbs up


“I was able to reflect on current practice alongside my team and evaluate the areas we are strong in and the areas that needed some improvement. Over the period of the 14 months it took to complete we utilized this award to its fullest and involved all practitioners within our setting as well as some from our other sites.  

"This allowed us to improve our standards of care and education throughout our entire organisation. I would highly recommend any nursery to undergo this award.”

-Tamara Stubbs, Blossom Nursery, Dubai

“This was the best training I have ever attended. I left the training feeling motivated, inspired and confident in reaching Outstanding.”

 - Sarah Hanlon, Springwood Nursery