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

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

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