Other sources of support

Foundation Years
The Foundation Years website is designed to provide a one stop shop for information and resources regarding the foundation stage.  Visit the Foundation Years website to find out more.

National Membership Organisations
Many of the national organisations provide support, information and resouces on business and management issues.  Some of these are detailed below.  (Some of these resources may be only available to members or may be charged for.)

National Day Nurseries Association
The NDNA have a number of resources available though their website. (NB - some of these are charged for)

Acas Model Workplace – Tool to rate people management, from recruitment to performance management.

Advertise & Research Volunteer Opportunities – Useful website to promote and look up volunteer opportunities.

CIC Discussion Forum – Platform to discuss issues faced by CICs to increase collaboration and share the best practices.

Company Formation & Constitution – Guides and information about company formation and constitution for directors and secretaries.

Developing Income Strategies – Funding and finance opportunities with tools and resources to support organisations developing sustainable income strategies appropriate to their needs.

Duties of Charity Trustees – Responsibilities involved in being a charity trustee.

Enter & Engage the Social Enterprise Market – Information on the social enterprise sector in the UK and insight for charities

Getting it Right Legally – Useful guidance and support to improve the legal status of organizations engaged in the development of voluntary managed early years and childcare settings.

Governance & Organisational Structures – Information on the structure and organisation of governance.

Improving a Nursery – Options for improving the quality of a nursery.

Information for Trustees – Free service from NCVO to advertise or view trustee vacancies, receive information about becoming a trustee and learn about recruiting trustees.

Information for CICs – Frequently asked questions and information packs from Community Interest Company (CIC) Regulator.

Leadership & Management – This essential pocket guide covers all aspects of leadership and management in an early years setting.

Legal Advice – Legal advice for individuals and community groups unable to access legal aid.

Marketing a Nursery – Tips and advice to help nurseries plan marketing and PR activities.

Policies & Procedures – Getting it Right reflects the statutory framework for the EYFS and requirements for the Ofsted Childcare Register. Over 35 model policies and procedures included in this pack.

Policies & Procedure – A full set of nursery policies and procedures are central to providing high-quality care and operating a successful nursery.

Policy & Research – Pointers and practical support from National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).

Quality Improvement Programme – Step-by-step quality improvement programmes covering a wide range of topics.

Recruitment & Selection – A comprehensive guide offering expert advice for recruiting and selecting nursery staff includes job advertisements, interview help sheets and personnel policies.

Reference & Decision Making Tool – Appropriate legal and governance structures for organisations. 

Reward, Recognition & Retention – Support volunteers by recognising good practice in volunteer management. 

Serious Case Review (Nursery Z) – Executive summary from Plymouth Safeguarding Children Board regarding the very serious incident or death of a child.

Starting a Nursery – Information and advice for starting a nursery. Ideal for both new business starters and developing nurseries.

Starting & Managing a Charity – Information and tips from the regulator of charities in England and Wales.

Support & Advice for Practitioners – Guides and handbooks for practitioners from Pre-School Learning Alliance.

The Children’s Partnership – The Government’s voluntary sector strategic partner for children and families, leading and supporting the development of high quality sustainable support for children, young people and families through two way communication, policy advice and sector development

Voluntary & Community Action – Voluntary and community sector organisations are brought together to share best practices and create a coordinated voice to influence policy makers.

Pre-School Learning Alliance
The Pre-school Learning Alliance has lots of resources available for settings, including advice on finance, staff management and marketing. More details can be found on their website.

National Childminders Association
The NCMA provides a wealth of support and information to childminders and has a number of resources that childminders can use to help them manage this business, such as cashbooks. Find out more.