NDNA launches study into nurseries’ sustainability 

The National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) has released three surveys – one for providers in each country – ahead of the Comprehensive Spending Review in England and budget planning in Wales and Scotland.

The surveys aim to pinpoint the latest challenges for nurseries. The information gathered will be used to inform policy recommendations to each government to ensure funding supports the delivery of high-quality early education.

Each survey looks at the specific funding schemes in the relevant country, including the rates received and if the money is enough to cover costs. Also, the percentage of total funded hours taken compared to parent paid hours and if this has changed since the pandemic.

The survey for providers in England, covers business rates relief - in light of the business rates holiday coming to an end and a Government review in progress, increase in staffing budgets, access to business support grants and underspends.

In the Welsh survey, there are questions on occupancy levels, details of new local provision and the positive impact of business rates relief.

For providers in Scotland, the survey covers the 1,140 hours scheme, nurseries’ involvement so far and local authority plans for the future, as well as additional grants to support settings with the costs of Covid-19 and the pandemic’s impact on occupancy levels.

NDNA’s chief executive Purnima Tanuku said, ‘We are constantly working with members and the whole sector to give the strongest voice for everyone working in early years. With the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review and new programmes for Government in Scotland and Wales, it is vital we have the facts and figures to make the case for investing in our youngest children.

‘Early education and childcare are vital parts of our national infrastructure, with the high-quality places nurseries provide helping to give children the best start in life. It is vital that these early years settings are sustainable so that parents are able to return to work or can retrain as well.’

Everyone who completes the surveys will be entered into a prize draw to win a £50 TTS voucher or one of two £25 Consortium vouchers.

The deadline for the England survey is Monday 2 August. The Scotland and Wales surveys will close on Monday 23 August.

• The England survey is here 
• The Wales survey is here
• The Scotland survey is here