Early years and childcare news

The latest early years and childcare news.

Ofsted annual report: Childcare deserts and more babies in nurseries

The latest Ofsted annual report has been released, with Sir Martyn Oliver setting out that supporting children in their earliest years is the best way to tackle inequalities and disadvantage.

Despite mounting pressures, early years settings continue to shine. 98% were judged ‘outstanding’ or ‘good’ at their last inspection, a testament to the sector’s resilience and commitment to children’s futures.

EYFS results: Children overall making better progress

More children are at the expected level of development and also more are making good progress, according to the latest statistics from the Department for Education (DfE).

The EYFS profile results showed that the gap is reducing slightly between:

Boys and girls

Autumn-born and summer-born children

Children with English as their first language and those with English as an additional language

EYFS results: Children overall making better progress

Budget 2025: measures to reduce child poverty but little for nursery businesses

The Chancellor announced her Budget measures today (Wednesday 26 November) which included an end to the two child benefit cap, free training for apprentices but only business rates relief for retail and leisure sectors.

Yesterday (Tuesday 25 November) she revealed the new statutory minimum wage rates from April 2026 which will be increasing by between 4.1 and 8.5% depending on ages https://ndna.org.uk/nurseries-need-funding-to-pay-wage-increases/

The Chancellor promised to: “Bring down inflation and provide immediate relief for families.” As well as removing the two child limit, she will reduce household energy bills and spend £18m on playgrounds.

Budget 2025: measures to reduce child poverty but little for nursery businesses

Nurseries need funding boosted to pay statutory wage rises from April

The Chancellor announced increases to the National Living and Minimum Wages on Tuesday 25 November, a day ahead of Budget Day. NDNA called for the government to boost funding rates to match wage increases and maintain pay differences.

Here are the new National Minimum Wage/National Living Wage rates from April 2026:

From 1 April 2026, the NLW will rise by 4.1% to £12.71 per hour for eligible workers aged 21 and over. This will increase the gross annual earnings of a full-time worker on the NLW by £900.
The NMW rate for 18–20-year-olds will also increase by 8.5% to £10.85 per hour, narrowing the gap with the NLW.
The NMW for 16–17-year-olds and those on apprenticeships will increase by 6% to £8 per hour.

Nurseries need funding boosted to pay statutory wage rises from April

What nurseries need to know about DBS checks

When it comes to early years, keeping the children in your establishment safe is critical. That’s why DBS checks exist. They help you make sure the people you’re hiring are safe and suitable to work around children.

But with so many different types of check out there, as well as legal rules, and rescreening requirements to consider, it can all get a bit confusing. Which level of check applies to which role? How often should checks be repeated? And what happens if you get it wrong?

Good news, NDNA’s Corporate Partner uCheck, trusted by more than 2,000 members, is here to help you navigate checks smoothly and hire with confidence.

What nurseries need to know about DBS checks

Numbers of PVI nurseries increase for the second year running

According to the latest Ofsted statistics, there are 260 more private, voluntary and independent nurseries and pre-schools (childcare on non domestic premises) compared with last year.

Ofsted’s statistical release Childcare providers and inspections as at 31 August 2025 also shows that 98% of nurseries were judged as “good” or “outstanding” at their last inspection.

Although numbers of childcare provider dropped by 2% by 1,270 since last year, this is down to a long-term trend of a decline in childminders. Nurseries increased to 27,500 and delivered 1.14 million places.

Numbers of PVI nurseries increase for the second year running

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