Early years and childcare news

The latest early years and childcare news.

Disappointment as Scottish Budget fails to address funding system inequalities

The Scottish Government unveiled its pre-election budget with barely a mention for its Early Learning and Childcare 1140 hour policy.

Following enquiries from NDNA Scotland, the Scottish Government has confirmed an additional £11million each year from 2026-27 to support local authorities to set sustainable rates that enable staff delivering funded ELC in PVI sector to continue to be paid at least the Real Living Wage. This amount is on top of the £9.5 million funding uplift announced last year.

Disappointment as Scottish Budget fails to address funding system inequalities

Nursery: Where the Best Start Happens – NDNA’s new campaign championing PVI nurseries

National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) has launched its latest campaign, “Nursery: Where the Best Start Happens”, to champion the vital role that private, voluntary and independent (PVI) nurseries play in giving children aged 0-5 the best possible start in life.

PVI nurseries are more than the backbone of early years provision in the UK, delivering around 80% of funded childcare places for under threes. They provide high quality, flexible, year-round care that meets the needs of working families in every community.

Nursery: Where the Best Start Happens – NDNA’s new campaign championing PVI nurseries

Millie’s Mark launches new and improved website

Millie’s Mark, the gold standard for paediatric first aid in early years settings, has a brand-new, upgraded website. This exciting development has tightened data security, introduced automated functions and become more accessible for users.

Due to the increasing number of cyber-attacks in the UK, the update further improved the site’s overall security, to give providers who have signed up greater piece of mind.

Early Years Maths activities that build confidence

How the Maths Champions Programme is boosting practitioner confidence through early years maths activities at The Rocking Horse Nursery

At NDNA, we are proud to deliver the national Maths Champions Programme, a research-informed initiative designed to strengthen early mathematical understanding across nurseries and early years settings. The programme supports practitioners to confidently embed high-quality early years maths activities into everyday routines, play and learning experiences. It is currently delivered fully funded to eligible providers in England thanks to the support of the Department for Education and rigorous independent evaluation by the Education Endowment Foundation.

Early Years Maths activities that build confidence

Early years recognised across the New Year Honours list

Early years professionals have been celebrated in the New Year Honours list, highlighting the vital role they play in shaping children’s outcomes and futures.

This year’s recognition spans practitioners, managers and nursery owners, reflecting the breadth of dedication and expertise within the sector.

Early years recognised across the New Year Honours list

Nine in ten UK nurseries are struggling with NMW increases ahead of the Budget

Early years settings across the UK are facing unprecedented financial pressures. Almost 90% reported that National Minimum Wage (NMW) increases are placing them under significant strain, according to a new sector-wide survey by NDNA.

Our pre-budget survey covered 545 settings across England, Scotland and Wales, highlighting the battling cost pressures on nurseries already operating on thin margins.

Nine in ten UK nurseries are struggling with NMW increases ahead of the Budget

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