NDNA Knowledge Hub - UK

The latest childcare updates you need to know now. Select your nation for nation-specific updates, or view UK-wide items below.

England updates

Scotland updates

Wales updates

Citation's Christmas Party Survival Guide

6 December 2017
With the Christmas party season in full swing, Citation has shared its best tips on how to keep on top of the HR and health and safety challenges that this time of year can bring.

To help you avoid any surprises, take a look at Citation's Christmas Party Survival Guide.

How to handle flexible working requests responsibly

8 November 2017
Did you know an employee has the statutory right to request flexible working after 26 weeks of employment?

Citation’s free guide covers all you need to know about flexible working and what to do when a request lands on your desk.

6 steps to supporting your employees in the aftermath of tragedy

12 October 2017
Dealing with a tragedy is never easy and there’s no such thing as a one size fits all formula. When it comes to your business, there are many ways you can support your employees when faced with these circumstances.

Citation have provided 6 steps to supporting your employees in the aftermath of tragedy and a range of HR 
and Health & Safety business briefings all over the UK.

Download more information below:

Prevention of sepsis

6 October 2017
The Department of Health has announced further measures to prevent sepsis. Parents and carers of young children are urged to call 999 or take their child to A&E if their child displays any of the following signs:

• looks mottled, bluish or pale
• is very lethargic or difficult to wake
• feels abnormally cold to touch
• is breathing very fast
• has a rash that does not fade when you press it
• has a fit or convulsion.

For more information please see the UK Sepsis Trust website and the NHS Choices sepsis pages. 

Do you want to team up with a nursery in China?

6 October 2017

NDNA is working closely with a Beijing-based kindergarten membership organisation with a view to ‘twinning’ UK settings with counterparts in China.
 
Mandarin-speaking Chinese nurseries are keen to learn more about how UK nurseries operate. They are specifically interested in operational issues such as staff recruitment and retention, sustainability and quality, themed activities, safeguarding, risk assessments and accident and incident procedures, School readiness and transition to name but a few. We envisage contact being one-on-one and monthly via online platforms. Full details are yet to be confirmed.

Fire safety: free resources

21 September 2017

Citation has released a free downloadable inforgraphic 'Your fire evacuation plan in 10 simple stages' and free 3-page fire safety guide to support you in promoting fire safety at your nursery. 

Recruiting workers from outside of the UK

31 August 2017

Citation have got you covered when it comes to recruiting workers from outside of the UK. From following a fair recruitment process, conducting comprehensive checks, contracts of employment, calculating pay, and steering clear of hefty fines, read how to stay on the right side of the law 

Tax-Free Childcare - Compensation

11 August 2017

If you've been affected by technical issues when accessing Tax-Free Childcare services, you may be able to get the government top-up as a one-off payment. You may also receive a refund for any reasonable costs directly caused by any mistakes or unreasonable delays.

Early Years Education mission to China, Department for International Trade

20 July 2017

With a growing demand for early years provision in China, expected to increase following the end of the one child policy, the Department for International Trade (DIT) is offering UK nurseries the chance to internationalise their operations in China and Hong Kong. 

Childcare Choices update

20 July 2017

Following queries from parents and providers, the government has published updates on the Childcare Choices website, covering Tax-Free Childcare and payment methods. 

Help for Grenfell Tower

21 June 2017

We all send our heartfelt sympathy to everyone affected in the terrible fire at Grenfell Tower in London. In particular to all those who have children, families and nursery staff affected. 

Traumatic situations: advice for nurseries

3 June 2017

Everyone will be heartbroken by the news of the bombing in Manchester Arena on 22 May and London attacks in June. All of our members will be affected by this news, but some could have children and parents directly affected.

Ransomware cyber attacks: keep your setting secure!

15 May 2017

Following the ransomware cyber attack on Friday 12 May which affected the NHS among other organisations globally, the City of London Police’s National Fraud Intelligence Bureau has issued an alert urging both individuals and businesses to follow protection advice immediately and in the coming days.

New child car seat rules

14 February 2017

Rules are being introduced across Europe by 1 March 2017 affecting how new backless booster seats are made. The new rules will not affect existing seats.

The change will make products better suited for younger children, and while it doesn't mean existing seats are illegal or unsafe, the Government is encouraging parents to make sure they know the rules for using child car seats. 

Handy business rates revaluation guide

19 December 2016

New rateable values for all commercial properties, such as nurseries, in England, Scotland and Wales will be introduced in the 2017 business rates revaluation. 

NDNA Member Benefit Partner Lambert Smith Hampton has created a handy guide on the changes to come.

It simply explains the changes to business rates through the revaluation and how it will affect you. 

New report shows importance of reading at an early age

2 December 2016

A new report from the Social Market Foundation has found that children who are not read to at age 5 have lower test scores at age 11, and children who read for enjoyment make better progress. The findings showed that encouraging a habit of reading at an early age continues to drive better outcomes in education past nursery age.

NDNA's Literacy Champions Programme supports practitioners to boost literacy achievements, and includes online training, one-to-one support and advice and access to over 300 literacy resources. Find out more!

New online course and advice from NSPCC to support parents

29 November 2016

The NSPCC had produced an online course and released advice for childcare professionals to give to parents, to help them cope with crying babies.

• Coping with crying advice

• Coping with crying online course
• Baby and toddler safety
• Advice on possible signs of abuse

Key points from the Autumn Statement

Further questions answered: Tax Free Childcare

Find out more

View UK Knowledge Hub archive items here