Latest news, policy and events
Budget supports high street businesses but not nurseries
Chancellor John Healey delivered his Budget which promised breathing space for today and fresh hope for the future.
Despite promising to support businesses, there were business rates discounts for the high street, but this did not include nurseries.
Among the announcements relevant to the early years sector there were:
- Statutory minimum wages will all rise by 3.9% in April – https://ndna.org.uk/minimum-wage-increases-2026/
- Business rates relief frozen for high street businesses – increased the threshold for rate relief for small businesses from £12k to £18k – half of shops, restaurants and gyms to pay no business rates at all with others frozen in real terms for the next 2 years – nothing for nurseries
- From next year Mayors will receive 20% of business rates revenue locally with 100% devolution for business rates by the end of this decade
- Fuel duty cuts extended for motorists through to July next year
- Self-employed fathers and partners eligible for paid paternal leave
- Local apprenticeship service funded to support young people into apprenticeships locally
- Support for women-led scale-ups.
Minimum wages set for above inflation rises
It has now been announced that minimum wages for workers across all age groups are set to increase by 3.9% on 1 April 2027.
Read more
EYFS profile results: Children making good progress particularly in maths and literacy
The Department for Education (DfE) has released the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) profile results for 2025/26 which show positive improvements in most areas.
Read more
NDNA’s consultancy service for Ofsted Inspections: From compliance to confidence
Are you fully prepared for your next Ofsted inspection?
We have two packages of support for settings to develop confidence and reassurance that they can meet renewed Ofsted inspection framework standards. Our bespoke visits for providers are for those that want to focus on a specific area of their practice, such as the toddler room or quality of teaching.
Check out our standard and bespoke packages and get your setting booked in for their consultation.
Supporting nurseries across the UK and overseas
NDNA England
Supporting nurseries in England to provide high-quality, sustainable childcare.
NDNA in England
NDNA Scotland
We support Scottish nurseries and are a strategic partner to the Government.
NDNA Scotland: Scotland childcare and early years support
NDNA Cymru
NDNA has a committed and enthusiastic member base representing Wales nurseries.
NDNA Cymru – supporting nurseries in Wales
NDNA International
We support nurseries internationally. Find out more about NDNA international.
NDNA international membership
For support when you need it most…
NDNA gives you the reassuring, expert advice and time-saving resources that allow you to focus on what you do best, caring for children in early years.
Join NDNA for:
- A stronger voice on issues crucial to your business
- Time-saving resources and expert, reassuring advice
- Access to more information, plus training and ideas to help improve practice
- As well as great savings on nursery essentials.
