Childcare News
Power of Play: Ways to Nurture Genuine Engagement
Unveiling The Magic: Embracing Genuine Play In Child Development In this article, taken from the course of the same name at the Nurturing Childhoods Academy, we are going to be reminding ourselves of the deep-rooted importance of play and how we...
Empowering Children: Nurturing Genuine Kindness Over People Pleasing
Childcare Insights: Nurturing Kindness With Compassion And Boundaries Throughout life, kindness has always been one of my core values: as a parent and teacher, I’ve always emphasised how important it is to be kind to others. In addition, as time...
Matrix Standard Success: Parenta Training Wins Excellence
Parenta Training, the UK’s largest training provider of childcare apprenticeships kicks off its 25th Anniversary year with a celebration of quality. Its first annual ‘continuous improvement check’ (CIC) since achieving matrix Standard...
Unlock Your Future: Level 2 Childcare Apprenticeship Success
When you choose to kickstart your career in childcare and embark on a Level 2 Childcare Apprenticeship, it's more than “just a job” and more than “just a childcare course” – it's a transformative adventure that brings so many benefits to both...
Apprenticeship Success: Ways to Lead in Childcare
In the ever-changing world of early years education, continuous professional development is key to staying ahead and making a lasting impact. If you already hold a position such as practitioner, deputy, or manager in a childcare setting, taking...
New EYFS Curriculum Implementation Handbook Released
Parenta, a leader in early years software solutions and the UK’s largest apprenticeship training provider has released a free, comprehensive guide aimed at empowering early years practitioners to seamlessly integrate the latest EYFS curriculum...
Exploring Ethics: Charging for ‘Extras’ in Early Years
In recent years, the landscape of early years education has undergone significant changes, with increased emphasis on providing quality learning experiences for young children. One debate which sparks controversy within this realm is the...
Transforming A Childcare Business
Kent’s Dr Allan Presland, author of the bestselling book "Improving the Business of Childcare," is now sharing his insights monthly in the Parenta magazine and on the award-winning Parenta blog. This serialised content aims to provide valuable...
Mastering the EYFS Changes for Maximum Impact!
Over the years there have been several changes to the EYFS, and a revised version has recently been published following a recent Government consultation. The Government recently published the results of this consultation, with some EYFS changes...
Cultivating Leadership in Early Years Settings
Formal leadership in early years development programmes provide crucial professional learning experiences for aspiring early years (EY) leaders. But when time and money for formal professional learning are short, we also need to look for...
Climate change – what can we do?
There is no doubt now that climate change is happening, and it is happening at a rate that even the most optimistic scientist would shudder at. We no longer need to wait for the research papers to come in from the polar regions to confirm it, as...
Rwanda Parenta Trust School Expansion
Parenta Trust Expands its Footprint to Rwanda Parenta Trust is thrilled to announce the construction of its sixth school in Eastern Africa to support orphaned and disadvantaged nursery-aged children. This new initiative in Rwanda will provide...
DfE Cash Splash: Nursery Game-Changer!
The DfE (Department for Education) has announced that early years nurseries are set to receive a £204 million cash boost as part of the Government’s promise to deliver the largest-ever investment in childcare. The plans from the DfE, which were...
Cost of Living Alert: Setting Capacity Warning
Almost all councils are warning that an escalation of nursery closures linked to the cost-of-living crisis “will undermine capacity” when the government extends free childcare. Nine out of 10 council representatives surveyed have said they fear...
The Department for Education reports latest figures for Early Years Education Provision
The Department for Education has released its latest statistics reporting on government-funded early education and childcare (early years provision) for children aged 2 to 4 years in England.Headline facts and figures – 2023In 2023, the number...
Childcare Funding: Councils Hoarding Funds
Childcare Funding - Freedom of Information requests submitted by the NDNA have revealed that local authorities are failing to pass on the money for funded childcare places, showing councils were holding back millions of pounds to offset deficits...
Physical activity has returned to pre-pandemic levels
Physical activity in children appears to have returned to their pre-pandemic levels, according to new research from the University of Bristol released in April. According to the study, 41% of children in the UK were getting the recommended hours...
Childcare Funding will see DfE review for 30-hour plan
DfE will consult industry on childcare funding before expansion of 30-hours. Ahead of the expansion of 30-hours childcare to younger age groups, the DfE will consult the industry this summer on how funding will be distributed. This Department...
Feeling Groovy? Dance Activities For Children
Dig out your dance shoes as it’s time to Lindy hop, jitterbug, disco, northern soul, freestyle, tango, street, ballet, hip hop, tap, and more. The art and fun of moving and grooving will be celebrated on the 29th of April on International Dance...
Parenta Accredited to the Matrix Standard
Parenta Training, the UK’s largest training provider of childcare apprenticeships has been accredited to the Matrix Standard, demonstrating the high quality of Information Advice and Guidance it provides to around 2000 childcare apprentices and...
Childcare Funding Constraints in Early Years
We know, of course, that the early years childcare sector plays a vital role in the development of children, providing them with essential skills and nurturing their cognitive and emotional growth. However, none of this is possible without...
Bereavement – Dealing with the death of a staff member
Addressing the delicate subject of bereavement, this article centers on effective strategies for managing the aftermath of a colleague's death. It emphasises how, as managers and leaders, we play a pivotal role in navigating this sad scenario...
Tops Day Nurseries Launch Joining Generations Programme
Press release from: Tops Day Nurseries Tops Devonport, located on Green Ark Children’s Centre, have launched a Joining Generations programme with local care home, Parkwood house Nursing home, on Exmouth Road. Tops Devonport have been visiting...
Michael Tomlinson, MP, visited Tops Day Nurseries in Wareham nursery to participate in National Storytelling Week on Friday 10th February 2023
Press release from: Tops Day Nurseries Michael Tomlinson MP joined Harriet Pacey, a Director of Tops Day Nurseries, to participate in National Storytelling Week and spend time reading and interacting with the children as well having discussion...
Rebecca Pow, MP, visited Tops Musgrove in Taunton to participate in National Storytelling Week in February 2023
Rebecca Pow, MP, visited Tops Musgrove in Taunton to participate in National Storytelling Week in February 2023. Press release from: Tops Day Nurseries Promoting Literacy: Rebecca Pow MP Joins National Storytelling Week Rebecca Pow, MP, joined...
Tops Day Nurseries Promote Importance of Reading in the Early Years Throughout National Storytelling Week
Press release from: Tops Day Nurseries Topsie Yeovil, part of the Tops Day Nurseries chain, based at the Holy Trinity Church Community Centre, have spent the last week promoting the importance of reading in the Early Years. Topsie Yeovil invited...
Penny Mordaunt, MP, visited Tops Lakeside in Portsmouth to participate in National Storytelling Week on Friday 3rd February 2023
National Storytelling Week Press release from: Tops Day Nurseries Penny Mordaunt MP joined Harriet Pacey, a Director of Tops Day Nurseries to participate in National Storytelling Week and spend time reading and interacting with the children as...
Parenta Announces Reduced Software Prices to Support the Early Years Sector
Parenta, a leading provider of software solutions and apprenticeship training for the early years sector, announced today that it is reducing its software prices to support the industry during these challenging times. The early years sector is...
Rt Hon John Glen MP, visited Tops Salisbury to discuss concerns within the Early Years sector on Friday 27th January 2023
Press release from: Tops Day Nurseries John Glen, MP, met with Cheryl Hadland, Managing Director of Tops Day Nurseries, to discuss the issues being faced in the Early Years sector. Tops Day Nurseries Salisbury, based onsite at the Salisbury...
International Day of Women and Girls in Science
International Day of Women and Girls in Science early years Throughout history, the field of science, STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) and STEAM (plus arts) have been dominated by men and for years and women have been...
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week
It’s February, which means it’s time for Children’s Mental Health Week (CMHW) (6 – 12th). The week aims to raise awareness of children’s mental health issues, get people talking, and raise funds to help tackle the problem. It is run by Place2Be,...
What a Year for Tops Bearwood
Press release from: Tops Day Nurseries Teaching our future generation how to help save the planet! As we start the new year, Tops Bearwood, a day nursery on Magna Road, have reflected on all their achievements in 2022. With the aim of driving...
Parenta AAC Apprenticeship Awards 2023 Finalists
Parenta Training, the UK’s largest training provider of childcare apprenticeships is delighted to announce that it has been shortlisted as a national finalist in the FE Week and AELP AAC Apprenticeship Awards 2023 in the category for Education...
Milton Hall Montessori Nursery School Performs ‘BaaRmY Bethlehem’
Press relsease from: Milton Hall Montessori Nursery School The children and teachers at Milton Hall Montessori Nursery School decided to take a slightly crazy, bonkers and colourful approach to the Nativity Show this term! After two years of not...
Celebrating 15 years of being experts in childcare
Press release from: Boys & Girls Nursery Boys & Girls Nursery, a family run and thriving group of nurseries are enjoying their fifteenth year of providing childcare in the local community. With their first nursery opening in Loates Lane,...
Tops Wimborne Sing Carols at Wimborne Light Switch On 2022
Press release from: Tops Day Nurseries Tops Day Nurseries Wimborne, located on Leigh Road, have been getting involved in the Wimborne community by singing carols during the recent Wimborne Light Switch. On the 26th November, Wimborne Minister...
Local Nursery Re-Launch Joining Generations Programme
Press release from: Tops Day Nurseries Tops Pokesdown on Wolverton Road, have re-started their Joining Generations programme this term with local care home, Signature, in Southbourne. Tops Pokesdown has been visiting Signature, a home for...
Staff To Child Ratios In Early Years Childcare To Be Debated In The House Of Commons
Will Staff-to-Child Ratios in Early Years Change? House of Commons Debate. The controversial proposal to change staff-to-child ratios in early years will be the focus of a Westminster Hall House of Commons debate on Monday, 14th November. “The...
New posts at the Department for Education
Claire Coutinho, MP for East Surrey, has been named the new minister for children, families and well-being within the Department for Education (DfE), replacing Kelly Tolhurst. This move sees the responsibility for early years being handed back...
Giving Children The Best Start In Life – From An Ofsted Perspective
Christopher Russell, National Director Education has posted a new article on the Ofsted Early Years Blog in which he explains what Ofsted will be doing as part of its early years strategy. He writes, “In April 2022, we published our new...
Local Nursery Promotes Reading in the Early Years During Children’s Book Week 2022
Tops Day Nurseries press release. During Children's Book Week 2022, Tops Day Nurseries took the opportunity to highlight why reading in the early years is vital for child development. From 7th to 13th November, settings across the South and...
Joining Generations Programme
Press release from: Tops Day Nurseries Tops Bournemouth, onsite at The Royal Bournemouth Hospital, have re-started their Joining Generations programme this term with local care home, Queensmead at Castle Dean, Throop, Bournemouth. Tops...
Harvest Festival Celebration At Milton Hall Montessori Nursery School
Press release from: Milton Hall Montessori Nursery School The children at Milton Hall Montessori Nursery School took part in the school annual Harvest Festival celebration. Traditionally a time for reflection and gratitude, children at Milton...
Diwali Celebration Lights Up Milton Hall Montessori Nursery School
Milton Hall Montessori Nursery School press release. The Diwali celebration at Milton Hall Montessori Nursery School truly lit up the classroom this year. As part of our commitment to Diwali activities for nursery children, the stage was set to...
World Nursery Rhyme Week
What can help our children listen?Speak and read with smiles that glisten?There’s no need for hide and seekIt’s here, hooray – World Nursery Rhyme Week! Yes, it’s back, this November from the 14th to 18th, parents, schools, libraries and early...
Celebrating World Vegan Day
Veganism is growing in popularity as a way of life, one which carries many benefits, not just for the person choosing to be vegan, but also for the planet. There are an increasing number of hotels and restaurants that specialise in vegan food...
Anti-Bullying Week
Anti-bullying week in early years. Participating in Anti-bullying week in early years is a powerful way to foster kindness and inclusion from the very start. Organized annually by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, this flagship event encourages...
National Diabetes Month
National Diabetes Month: Essential Guide to Managing Diabetes in Children and Early Years As National Diabetes Month approaches, raising awareness of diabetes in children and early years has never been more critical. With over 4.9 million people...
Stress Awareness Week
Stress Awareness in Early Years Stress in early years has never been more priminent as the nights draw in and the cost-of-living crisis deepens. While we strive to maintain a "glass half-full" perspective, the pressure on childcare practitioners...
Local MP Officially Opens Eco Nursery, Tops Bearwood, and Contributes to Cleaner Air Around It
Tops Day Nurseries press release Top day nurseries like Tops Bearwood are leading the way in sustainable childcare. Recently, local MP Michael Tomlinson officially opened our new setting on Magna Road, marking the occasion by planting an apple...
Breaking News: Ofsted launches new early years blog
On 30th September 2022, Ofsted launched a new early years blog, for everyone who works in the early years sector. Yvette Stanley, Ofsted's National Director of Regulation and Social Care said; “We will use this new blog to help raise...
Survey Alert: Nutrition Enquiry In Early Years
Nutrition - The Early Years Alliance and the London Early Years Foundation (LEYF) have launched a new survey about food and nutrition in early years settings to highlight any “key challenges” that can be faced when trying to “improve children's...
Kelly Tolhurst named new minister for schools and childhood
Early years sector leaders have welcomed the appointment of Kelly Tolhurst as the Minister for Schools and Childhood, expressing the hope that it shows a “growing recognition” that “the early years is a vital part of the education system”. In...
Local Day Senior Nursery Manager Highly Commended by National Awards
Nursery manager Katie Humphreys was recently recognised at the National Nursery Manager Award ceremony, celebrating excellence in the early years. As the Senior Nursery Manager at Tops Havant in Portsmouth, Katie achieved ‘highly commended’...
A GOOD result for Tops Day Nurseries Copnor
Tops Day Nurseries Copnor receives Ofsted Good rating success has been achieved by the staff and children. Located at the Pompey Health and Fitness Club, the nursery is celebrating this positive outcome following a recent inspection. An Ofsted...
Milton Hall Montessori Nursery School Celebrates Queen Elizabeth II’s Reign
Press Release from: Milton Hall Montessori Nursery School During this period we understand that parents may be facing questions from their children. The children, Parents and Teachers at Milton Hall Montessori Nursery School were deeply...
Black History Month
October is Black History Month, where everyone, regardless of race, is invited to come together to celebrate and remember some of the accomplishments of Black people from all over the world, whose inventions and achievements have not necessarily...
World Mental Health Day – Promoting Well-being
In May we wrote about Mental Health Awareness Week and how it aimed to bring the whole of the UK together to focus on mental health, and in particular, to help tackle loneliness, a factor identified as affecting people’s mental health. In...
Family Learning Festival
This October sees the return of the Family Learning Festival, which is a national celebration recognising and promoting the learning that can be achieved through family life. When you think about it, family life is how most of us learn in the...
ADHD Awareness Month – All You Need To Know
It's ADHD Awareness Month! ADHD is a term that has come into common parlance in recent years and more people are being diagnosed with it as children, and even as adults. However, there is still a lot of misinformation in the public domain about...
Safety and safeguarding new legislation
Introduction Safeguarding new legislation - On the 1st of September 2022, the Department for Education (DfE) published their 2022 version of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE). This is a statutory guidance for all schools including...
Tops Day Nurseries Celebrate World Clean Up Day
Press release from: Tops Day Nurseries Tops Day Nurseries, an eco-sustainable family of day nurseries, have recently taken part in a company-wide clean up day, ‘Tops Clean-Up Day’. The 'Tops clean-up day' was inspired by World Cleanup Day, one...
Ofsted Success: Parenta Training Triumphs
Parenta Training, the UK’s largest training provider of childcare apprenticeships not only successfully trains over 2000 apprentices annually – several passing with Distinction, but it starts the new academic year being awarded a ‘Good’ rating...
Private Nursery of the Year: Glebe Kids
Celebrating an incredible achievement, Glebe Kids has officially been named Private Nursery of the Year at the prestigious Lux Life Parent & Baby Awards. Glebe Kids Secures Private Nursery of the Year Title This national recognition...
Award Winning Nursery Pay Tribute to the Queen
Press release from: Tops Day Nurseries Children at Tops Day Nurseries have been paying tribute to Her Late Majesty the Queen this week through various activities and the creation of keepsakes. Children at a number of the Tops nurseries have been...
A GOOD result for Tops Day Nurseries Winchester
Press release from: Tops Day Nurseries Tops Day Nursery, onsite at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, recently underwent their Ofsted Inspection. The team were delighted to share their GOOD news with families and the local community. According...
A GOOD result for Tops Day Nurseries Fawley
Press release from: Tops Day Nurseries Tops Day Nursery, based on Heather Road in Southampton, recently underwent their Ofsted Inspection. The team were delighted to share their GOOD news with families and the local community. According to the...
Tops Day Nurseries have been selected as finalists for several awards in the NMT Nursery Awards 2022
Press release from: Tops Day Nurseries A local day nursery chain, Tops Day Nurseries, has been selected as finalists for several awards in the NMT Nursery Awards 2022. The eco-friendly family of day nurseries has been selected for the Nursery...
The Education ministers in Liz Truss’ new government
New Prime Minister Liz Truss has appointed Kit Malthouse to the position of Secretary of State for Education – a position that was previously held by James Cleverly since July 2022 and before that, Michelle Donelan and Nadhim Zahawi. Prior to...
Local Nursery Connects with Community
Among the leading Hampshire day nurseries, Tops Havant is proud to celebrate its deep connection with the local community. Recently, our setting on Stockheath Lane partnered with BANKcommunitySPACE to foster a sense of belonging and...
World Suicide Prevention Day
In today’s modern, fast-paced world, whilst many of us thrive on the opportunities and situations life brings us, for a few people, life itself becomes part of a problem that they can see no hope for and no way out of, except by the extreme...
Topsie-Gillingham Re-Opening on the 5th September
Press release from: Tops Day Nurseries Topsie Gillingham, located at The Stone House in Gillingham, will be re-opening their doors on the 5th September. Topsie Gillingham is part of an eco-sustainable chain of day nurseries, with over 30 day...
Plastic Free Plymouth Award Tops Day Nurseries with Gold Award
Press release from: Tops Day Nurseries Tops Day Nurseries have just been made Gold Award holders by Plastic Free Plymouth. The B Corp certified group has 5 nurseries across Plymouth including Tops Prince Rock, Tops Efford, Tops Stonehouse, Tops...
Plymouth and Torquay Nurseries Made Gold Award Holders by Plastic Free Plymouth
Plymouth and Torquay Nurseries Made Gold Award Holders by Plastic Free Plymouth Plastic Free Plymouth has officially named Tops Day Nurseries as Gold Award holders. The B Corp certified group operates six nurseries across the region, including...
Tops Day Nurseries: National Tree Day with Ecologi
Tops Day Nurseries: Partnering for a Greener Future Tops Day Nurseries are celebrating National Tree Day by launching a major partnership with Ecologi. This green initiative ensures that environmental conservation is at the heart of their early...
Nursery Awards: Incredible Sector Achievements
Nursery Awards: Recognising UK Excellence Nursery Awards provide the perfect platform to celebrate excellence. This year, the industry gathered to honour the best in the business. Consequently, the Nursery Awards highlight the incredible...
Tops Day Nurseries Celebrate Plastic Free July
Press release from: Tops Day Nurseries Tops Day Nurseries, recent winners of a Queen’s Award for Sustainable Development, have spent the last month promoting the importance of reducing the amount of plastic they use for Plastic Free Month. Tops...
Childcare staffing ratios: Outrage at New England Plans
Childcare staffing ratios: Controversial New Plans in England Childcare staffing ratios in England are the subject of intense debate following new government proposals. These plans aim to lower the required number of staff per child in early...
Ofsted’s Latest EIF Updates Unveiled!
Ofsted has published a new post on its blog called “The education inspection framework (EIF) – looking ahead to September 2022” It contains some updates to the Education Inspection Framework (EIF) including changes to the Early Years Inspection...
Minister: 5 Vital Updates on the New Appointment
Minister for Children and Families: A New Appointment Brendan Clarke-Smith, the MP for Bassetlaw in Nottinghamshire, has been appointed the new children and families minister, with a remit which includes early years and childcare. Minister for...
‘GOOD’ for Boys & Girls Nursery Rickmansworth!
Press release from: Boys & Girls Nursery Boys & Girls Nursery are delighted to report on another ‘GOOD’ rating by Ofsted, this time with their nursery based in Rickmansworth. The nursery was inspected on 1st June and the inspectors...
Local Day Nursery Group Awarded with National Award for Training and Development
Press release from: Tops Day Nurseries Tops Day Nurseries have been awarded with a national award recognising the Training and Development they provide to their, almost 800, colleagues across the business. At the end of June National Day...
World Forum (WOFO) for Early Childcare & Education, Orlando May 2022
Press release from: Tops Day Nurseries WOFO used to take place every 2 years. Close on a thousand delegates attended from all over the world, with conference fees directly related to the country you come from’s Income, hence we pay more from...
“We are not babysitters”: Neil Leitch, EYA
Chief executive of the Early Years Alliance, Neil Leitch has highlighted the “disgraceful misconception” of what a nursery job demands, referring to an article in the Daily Telegraph which reported that nursery workers ‘watch’ children. He told...
Childcare costs increase by nearly 50% for the under 2s
A report by the TUC has revealed that childcare costs have increased by 44% since 2010, for parents with children under 2 years - and the union body is calling for an urgent cash boost for the childcare sector. It argues that childcare is a...
Thousands of babies to join study of early childhood
Thousands of babies are set to join a study of early childhood as part of research into children of the 2020s. The study, commissioned by the Department for Education and led by researchers from University College London will follow children for...
New early years educator coaching launched
Press release from: Pam McFarlane May 25th, 2022, was an auspicious moment for EnRich Coaching for Educators who hosted their official launch in the beautiful Cafe at City Coast Centre in Brighton & Hove. Pam McFarlane, founder of EnRich...
Local Day Nursery celebrate Nurses Day at Local Hospital
Press release from: Tops Day Nurseries Tops Day Nurseries Bournemouth, based on site at Royal Bournemouth Hospital, recently paid a visit to Bournemouth Hospital. The children at Bournemouth created some beautiful cards and hand delivered them...
Tops Day Nurseries Promote Importance of Reading in the Early Years Throughout Share a Story Month
Press release from: Tops Day Nurseries Tops Day Nurseries, an award-winning sustainability driven nursery chain, have spent the last month promoting the importance of reading in the Early Years by taking part in a number of events and activities...
A Special Guest From Buckingham Pays A Visit To Milton Hall Montessori Nursery School in Surrey
Press release from: Milton Hall Montessori Nursery School A very special guest from Buckingham Palace paid a visit to Milton Hall Montessori Nursery School in celebration of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. All the Children at Milton Hall...