A member of staff returning after a long-term absence can bring a mixture of emotions for everyone involved. The returning employee may feel anxious, nervous or uncertain. Managers may be wondering how quickly the individual can resume their duties, while colleagues may be unsure how best to offer support. Whether the absence was due to illness, injury, stress, maternity leave, caring responsibilities or another personal circumstance, a successful return requires thoughtful p

Technology is now woven into almost every aspect of running an early years setting. From online learning journals and digital registers to payroll systems, funding portals and parent communication apps, many providers would struggle to operate without it. Yet alongside the benefits come important questions: How much technology is too much for young children? What are Ofsted's expectations? How can we improve efficiency without increasing risk? How do we balance digital innova

In early years charities, trustees often step into their roles as parents, volunteers or members of the community, not as governance experts and depending on your constitution they may not be around for long. They give their time generously but life moves on: children move on to 'big school', jobs change, circumstances shift and without a clear succession plan committees can suddenly find themselves without the key officer roles leaving the setting vulnerable. Succession plan

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

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

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

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

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

Whether you’ve just held your AGM or have had sudden committee changes, onboarding new trustees can raise a lot of questions. With forms changing and little guidance available, it’s no wonder you feel confused. This guide walks you through the exact process, step by step so your new trustees can be appointed with confidence. When you're appointing new trustees it's important to remember that you are doing two different types of check. First is to confirm a person is eligible