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

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 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

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

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

Being a trustee in an early years and childcare setting might sound like a role filled with paperwork, meetings, and policies (and yes, there’s some of that!) but really, it’s so much more. It’s not just fundraising and cake sales. Trustees play a vital part in shaping the future of the children, families, and communities that your setting serves and the best trustees bring passion, perspective, and a good dash of common sense. Becoming a trustee is a great way to connect wit

Running an early years setting whether a nursery, preschool, or childminding business, requires more than just a passion for children’s learning and development. Behind the scenes, effective planning is crucial for long term sustainability and growth. A well-structured business plan is not just a document for investors or regulators; it’s a practical tool that guides decision-making, helps manage resources, and ensures long-term success. A person is focused on financial calcu

If you're running a charity-managed early years education setting, completing your annual report  for the Charity Commission can feel like just another admin task on an already packed to-do list. But it’s more than just a legal requirement — it’s your chance to tell your story , showcase your impact, and prove that your organisation is well-run and sustainable. In this short blog, I’ll walk you through what’s required, who should be involved, and how to complete your annual r

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