For charity managed settings the Annual General Meetings (AGMs) is more than a legal requirement. They offer a chance to celebrate the year’s achievements, strengthen governance, discuss challenges, and bring your community together. Whether you're a long standing committee or new to the role, preparing well ensures your AGM is compliant, purposeful and positive. With many settings holding theirs at the start of the new academic year, this blog walks you through what to do, w

If you've been hearing about the 2026 EYFS updates but aren't quite sure what's changing, don't worry you’re not alone. Every time the EYFS is updated, the same questions start popping up. What has changed? Do I need to rewrite all my policies? Is Ofsted going to inspect differently? The good news is that the 2026 updates aren't as daunting as they might sound. This update isn't a complete overhaul of the EYFS. The learning and development requirements and the Early Learning

Parent testimonials offer a powerful way for early years and childcare providers to build trust, showcase their strengths, and give prospective families a real sense of what it feels like to be a part of your community. In a sector where personal connection and reputation matter greatly, hearing directly from parents about their experiences can make a significant difference. This blog explores practical ways to collect meaningful testimonials and use them effectively to suppo

If you're old enough to remember like I am, the risk of lone working became prominent in the late 1980's following the disappearance of estate agent Suzy Lamplugh. She had arranged to meet a potential house buyer at a property in Fulham, London but disappeared without trace and her body never found. Her parents set up The Suzy Lamplugh Trust in 1986,. Much of the Trust's early work centred on the need for employers to protect their staff when they are working alone. Lone wor

The summer term can feel like a whirlwind — sports days, transitions, leavers’ celebrations, funding paperwork, and the final push before the long break. But it’s also one of the most strategically important terms of the year. Why? Because what you do between now and July determines how strong, stable and sustainable your setting will be when September arrives. With many settings now experiencing lower autumn occupancy, rising costs, and increasingly complex staffing pressure

Running a charity managed pre-school or nursery is a team effort, and the Secretary plays a quiet but essential part in keeping everything organised, compliant and running smoothly. While the role often sits behind the scenes, a good Secretary is the glue that holds the committee together ensuring communication is clear, records are accurate and the charity meets its legal responsibilities. In early years settings, where many trustees are volunteers and often parents juggling

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