NDNA Highlights that Private and Voluntary Nurseries Can Play Key Role

Dec. 8, 2010 - PRLog -- National Day Nurseries Association, Head Office, 3 December 2010 – National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) today responded to Frank Field’s Independent Review on Poverty and Life Chances ‘The Foundation Years: preventing poor children becoming poor adults.’

In its response, NDNA welcomed how the review stresses the vital importance of supporting children in their earliest years, and said that private and voluntary nurseries had a key role to play in eradicating child poverty alongside Sure Start Children’s Centres.

Purnima Tanuku, Chief Executive of NDNA comments: “NDNA welcomes this comprehensive report that confirms how a child’s earliest years are truly the ‘Foundation Years’ and the best time to support children and set them on the right path for life. It is pleasing to see that the role of good quality care and early learning for the under-fives has been recognised as part of this, and that early intervention is the most cost-effective way to support families. It is welcome news that Frank Field believes more funding needs to be weighted towards supporting children in their earliest years and this is a fantastic opportunity to involve nurseries further. NDNA would stress that Sure Start Children’s Centres are not the only way children can be supported. Over a quarter of all full daycare is already working in the most deprived areas and already delivering some of the early intervention this report identifies, such as early identification of problems so that families can be given the right help when it really matters.”

“Similarly, there are many private nurseries rooted in their local communities that can carry out the vital outreach work that the report explores, and such providers should be able to access any support to help them enhance and further develop this work. This should include ensuring funding is given for successful outreach work, and advising nurseries about ways they can become ‘hubs of the community’ that the report suggests as critical in helping families. NDNA also understands that some nurseries are really leading the way in terms of having a high-quality, graduate led workforce with the skills to make a difference and we would like to discuss how this expertise could be shared as part of any model for professional development in early years. “

Purnima adds: “This report certainly makes interesting reading, and sets out a clear case why early years services must be at the forefront of government policy. However, whilst the review shows why initiatives such as free nursery education and the forthcoming free places for disadvantaged two year olds are so critical, it is important to recognise that nurseries are willing and able to provide these essential services but currently lack the funding to do so sustainably. Nurseries can do much of what this report sets out as critical to eradication of child poverty, including supporting parents to develop the right learning environment and supporting them to change their own future through work or training. NDNA very much looks forward to discussing this report with government and other stakeholders, and sharing how nurseries can make a difference and continue to help improve outcomes for children and families.”

For more information about NDNA please visit http://www.ndna.org.uk/

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For more information, to arrange interviews please contact Hayley Wilson, Senior Press and Policy Officer on T: 01484 40 70 66 E: hayley.wilson@ndna.org.uk M: 07718 803 652



National Day Nurseries Association is a national charity representing children’s nurseries across the UK, giving them information, training and support, so they can provide the best possible care to young children. NDNA is the voice of the sector, an integral part of the lives of nearly one million children and their families.

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National Day Nurseries Association is a national charity representing children’s nurseries across the UK, giving them information, training and support, so they can provide the best possible care to young children.