NDNA - National Day Nurseries Association

18/06/2026

❤️‍🩹This is what happens when childcare is treated like a budget line instead of a lifeline.❤️‍🩹

In this video, a parent who already lost her children’s nursery places in Edinburgh pleads with West Lothian Council not to make her family relive that trauma. They chose to do it anyway. Her story is a stark reminder of the real-world impact of budget cuts on families. No family should be pushed to breaking point because councils balance budgets at the expense of young children and working parents.

NDNA’s 100 Days for 100 Families campaign exists to make sure these stories are heard.

What would you do if this happened to your family? Parents — we need to hear from you. Tell us your story.

🔗 http://ndna.org.uk/100days

18/06/2026

We've seen the news stories up and down the country where school based nurseries have been given millions in funding.

We welcome investment in the future of our children, but 80% of early years places for children under three in England are delivered by PVI nurseries. These flexible, year-round places, so are critical for children of working parents, are at risk of displacement and duplication.

We want equality and fairness for all early years provision. We want investment in all children to give them the best start in life.

PVI nurseries are a vital part of our communities, giving children under their care the best start. Chronic underfunding puts the futures of many PVI nurseries at risk. This cannot continue.

Support our campaign to help recognise the value of PVI nurseries. With our free letter templates:

✅ Write to your MP
✅ Write to your local journalist
✅ Write to your families.

http://www.ndna.org.uk/wherethebeststarthappens

17/06/2026

📣 New recorded webinar - Hidden harm: Recognise and respond to fabricated and induced illness (FII)

Our new recorded webinar on hidden harm will help you fully understand Fabricated and Induced Illnesses (FII), along with Perplexing Presentations (PP) and the signs and symptoms to look for from children and their carers.

Our low cost recorded webinars are a great way of sharing new essential information with your staff. Be more informed and improve your practice by ordering your copy today: https://ndna.org.uk/product/hidden-harm-recognise-and-respond-to-fabricated-and-induced-illness-fii/

17/06/2026

📢 Updated for 2026, Birth to 5 Matters (2nd Ed.) is available for pre-order

✅ Fully revised with the latest research
✅ NEW content on digital pedagogy & sustainability
✅ Created by the sector (Early Years Coalition)
✅ Expanded guidance from birth to Reception and beyond
⭐ Just £9.50 (limited pre-order price)
📦 Shipping mid-July

Support your practice with trusted, practical guidance.

Secure your copy today 👉 https://ndna.org.uk/product/birth-to-5-matters-2/

16/06/2026

🧮 Get training completed before autumn pressures begin

September can be one of the busiest times of the year for early years settings.

Why not use the summer months to focus on practitioner development?

Maths Champions offers flexible online training that fits around your setting, helping teams build confidence in supporting children's maths development through everyday experiences.

Get training completed before autumn pressures begin and invest in your team's development this summer.

Register your interest:
https://forms.zohopublic.eu/ndna/form/EEFAcceleratorFundMathsChampionsExpressionofIntere/formperma/YHVvIyA8TphdF9rK38foULmCXcu9OUfXeAGwy6ZO6j0

16/06/2026

🚨Who gets to decide what works best for families in Scotland? Families themselves, or the council?🚨

In the Central Belt, parents are being told by councils where their children can go, whether siblings can stay together, and what childcare choices are “allowed” to work around family life. That isn’t flexibility — and it isn’t choice.

NDNA’s West Lothian Network Chair, Andrew Carr, shares a powerful deputation ahead of the decision in West Lothian. Despite this, the council didn’t listen.
That’s why NDNA’s 100 Days for 100 Families campaign matters — standing up for choice, flexibility and the right of families to access childcare that meets their needs.

🔗 http://ndna.org.uk/100days

16/06/2026

🏃🏼‍♀️ Top tips: Movement matters 🏃🏼

Movement comes naturally to young children - they climb, spin, jump and wriggle their way through the world long before they can put any of it into words. However, understanding that movement is good for their overall well-being is something children learn gradually, through experience and through the language and attitudes of the adults around them. As a nursery practitioner, you are uniquely placed to nurture that understanding through the environments you create, the words you use and the way you move alongside the children. These movement matters tips are here to help.

🔗 Link in comments

16/06/2026

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿We've had lots of coverage across Wales recently highlighting challenges of the sector 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

Director of Policy and Communications Jonathan Broadbery was featured on BBC Wales News Politics discussing childcare expansion – watch him from 15 minutes in here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002xxhk/politics-wales-14062026

Jonathan also featured in BBC Wales News online highlighting how staffing is the biggest issue to childcare expansion, read it here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8025vp7d28o

Councils are struggling to deliver the previous government's more limited offer on childcare.

16/06/2026

Listen to our Director of Policy Jonathan Broadbery speaking on BBC North East and Cumbria Politics on Sunday from 13minutes 30seconds.

He explains that the funding rate increased by 5% compared with the staffing costs up by 10% so providers have to cover that shortfall.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002xvfk/politics-north-north-east-and-cumbria-14062026

The latest political news, interviews and debate.

15/06/2026

Ofsted has published its EY inspections operating guide which applies from September. NDNA is analysing this and will share the main areas of change and what this might mean for nurseries shortly:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-inspection-toolkit-operating-guide-and-information/early-years-inspection-operating-guide-for-inspectors-for-use-from-september-2026