A Friendly Guide for Parent Volunteers If you’ve ever looked at the treasurer role on your early years committee and thought, “That sounds a bit intimidating…” you’re definitely not alone. Many treasurers in charity-managed settings are parent volunteers with little to no financial background when they start. The good news? You don’t need to be an accountant to be a great treasurer. What really matters is being organised, willing to learn, and able to ask questions when you’r

A guide for unincorporated organisations in England and Wales Running an early years or childcare setting as a charity is both rewarding and demanding. At the heart of this work sits the chairperson , a pivotal figure who helps steer the organisation, support its people, and ensure that children and families receive the high‑quality provision they deserve. If you’re a chairperson, a trustee stepping into the role, or someone considering taking it on, understanding the respons

A practical myth-buster for committee-managed early years and childcare providers If you sit on the committee of a charity-run early years setting, you’re not “just helping out”. You are a charity trustee and that brings with it a legal responsibility. Governance in early years charities can feel unnecessarily complex. Constitutions, AGMs, Ofsted, safeguarding oversight and financial controls, it’s a lot, especially when trustees are volunteers juggling work and family life.

From April 2026, several key employment law updates will come into force in the UK under the Employment Rights Act 2025. These changes will affect how early years and childcare providers manage payroll, pensions, and workers’ rights. Understanding these updates early will help you plan ahead and stay compliant. Below is a simple overview of what’s changing and what it means for you. 1. New Flexible Working Rights From April 2026, flexible working will become a day-one right.

Running an early years setting has never been cheap, but rising energy bills, staffing pressures and supply costs mean many providers are having to be smarter than ever with their budgets. The good news? There are lots of small, practical changes that can add up to meaningful savings—without impacting quality or children’s experiences. Below are realistic, tried-and-tested cost-saving ideas for early years settings. I’m sure many of you are already doing most of these as I

In current times — with declining birth rates, tight funding, and a staffing crisis — charity-managed pre-schools and early years settings face an uphill battle. Traditional advertising can feel costly, ineffective, or simply insufficient. But there’s a powerful alternative: growing trust and relationships over time , so your community becomes your strongest supporter and source of referrals. Here’s how to build that kind of trust — deeply, intentionally and sustainably. 1. B

Running an early years and childcare setting as a charity is rewarding, but it also comes with responsibilities. One of the most important (and often misunderstood) documents your setting has is its charity constitution . If you’re a trustee, committee member, or manager and you’ve ever thought “I know we have one… but I’m not quite sure what it says” , you’re not alone. This blog explains what a charity constitution is, why it matters, and how it affects your day-to-day deci

Fundraising in a charity-managed nursery or pre-school can feel challenging, especially when trustee and staff time is limited, budgets are tight, and families already have a lot on their plates. The good news? Fundraising doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming to be effective. Settings often do best with simple, repeatable ideas that fit naturally into the daily routine and involve parents without pressure. Below are 20 easy-to-implement fundraising ideas , inclu

Why the Bright Horizons Case Matters The recent shocking case involving a former staff member, Vincent Chan, at a London nursery operated by Bright Horizons has put a harsh spotlight on the safeguarding responsibilities of organisations caring for children. Chan recently pleaded guilty to multiple counts of sexual assault of toddlers under his care, children aged just two to four, and possession of thousands of indecent images. This devastating failure will undoubtedly shake

Ofsted inspections play a vital role in early years and childcare settings, acting as a means of accountability while providing a framework for ongoing quality improvement. Trustees are fundamental to the effective governance of early years and childcare providers, ensuring that these environments are managed strategically and remain fully compliant with Ofsted’s Early Years Inspection Handbook . By preparing thoroughly, trustees can not only influence inspection outcomes for

Creating an Effective Prospectus to Attract Customers and Showcase Your Offerings A prospectus is more than just a brochure—it's your business’s calling card. Whatever type of setting you run, having a well-designed prospectus is essential to present your services effectively and attract prospective customers. But what makes a prospectus ‘good’, and why should you invest your time in getting it right? Why a Good Prospectus Matters A carefully crafted prospectus provides poten

A Practical Guide for Early Years Providers For many early years and childcare settings, especially long-established pre-schools and playgroups, being an unincorporated charitable association has always been the traditional structure. It’s simple, familiar, and historically worked well for small community groups run by volunteers. But as the sector evolves—and responsibilities for safe practice, governance, employment, and financial management grow—more providers are finding

A Guide to Ensuring Safe and Compliant Governance The safety and wellbeing of children is paramount in early years and childcare settings. Part of maintaining this safe environment involves making sure that those in positions of responsibility, such as committee members, undergo suitable background checks. In the UK, the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) plays a crucial role in this process. This blog explores the DBS requirements for committee members, helping settings na

A Legal and Operational Guide for Charity-Managed Early Years and Childcare Settings Facing the prospect of closure is a daunting experience for any charity-managed early years or childcare setting. Whether driven by financial challenges, regulatory changes, or shifts in community demand, closure requires careful planning and thoughtful action. This blog provides a comprehensive overview of the legal and operational steps you need to take to ensure a responsible, compliant, a

Practical Strategies for Maintaining Harmony in a Close-Knit Childcare Team Staff conflict can occur in any workplace, but in early years and childcare settings, it often feels even more personal due to the close, collaborative nature of the work, the emotional investment in the wellbeing of the children, and the high level of teamwork required. While occasional disagreements are inevitable, unresolved conflict can undermine morale, disrupt routines, and impact the quality of

Essential Tips for Building an Impactful Online Presence In today’s digital world, a website isn’t just a nice to have for nurseries, preschools, and childcare providers - it’s an essential tool for connecting with families, supporting your community, and showcasing your setting’s unique strengths. Parents and carers often turn first to your website for information, reassurance, and inspiration. But how do you make sure your website truly meets the needs of your specific chil

As we approach the end of the year, it’s a good time to take a step back and review your finances. With the inevitable rise in staffing costs due next April — including increases to the National Living Wage and pensions — now is the time to start thinking about your budgets and, importantly, your fees. Raising fees is one of the trickiest parts of running a childcare business. You know you need to keep your setting sustainable (which is hard when the vast majority of your inc

In early years and childcare settings, the relationship between trustees and managers is more than a governance matter—it’s the foundation that ensures children receive the best possible start in life. Trustees provide oversight and accountability, while managers oversee daily operations, staff, and family engagement. When these two roles work in harmony, the result is not just smoother operations—it’s better outcomes for children. 1. Shared Purpose: Putting Children First Bo

Charities in England and Wales are operating in an increasingly challenging landscape. The Charity Commission has published its 2025 Risk Assessment which highlights the major threats all charities should watch and act on to stay resilient. Below is a summary of the key findings of the assessment and my Top 5 Tips for managing them. Key Risks in Focus Financial resilience What it means: At its simplest, many charities (across all sectors) are being squeezed financially. Their

Running a charity managed setting is rewarding, but it often comes with tight budgets. But that doesn't mean you can't effectively market your pre-school or nursery to attract more families, supporters and even donors. With some creativity and community spirit, you can build awareness without spending a fortune. Here are some practical and low cost suggestions to get you started and can be utilised even if you are not a charity run setting. Build a Strong Local Presence It go