In this session chaired by Briony Richter, Editor of Nursery Management Today, panellists will discuss the government's childcare expansion plans and approaches to ensuring providers have adequate funding to deliver high-quality and accessible early years education – especially for those communities in the most deprived areas of the UK. The discussion will also cover strategies needed to create and grow nursery spaces while minimising costs such as business rates.

Talking points will include:

• Childcare expansion plan: Exploring the details of the UK government's comprehensive childcare expansion plan. How will it affect parents, educators, and most importantly, the children?
• Optimising nursery facilities: Speakers will share their views on how best to grow your nursery business and what to look out for in terms of space and the costs associated with it.
• Tackling deprivation: Discussing the targeted initiatives aimed at supporting children in the most deprived areas. How will these interventions level the playing field and ensure equal opportunities for children, regardless of their backgrounds?
• Impact and sustainability: Considering the potential long-term impact of these changes on children's outcomes, education systems, and society as a whole. How can we ensure that these initiatives are not only effective but also sustainable over time?

Who are the panellists?

Courteney Donaldson has specialised in the childcare sector since 1999, providing valuation, transactional and consultative advice to operators, banks and investors. She has been involved in virtually every major UK day nursery transaction since 2006, and also sits on the NDNA board as a co-opted trustee.

June O’Sullivan MBE is Chief Executive of London Early Years Foundation (LEYF), which she developed into the UK's largest childcare charitable social enterprise, with almost 900 staff across 39 nurseries. She is a speaker, author and regular media commentator on early years, social business and child poverty.

Purnima Tanuku OBE is Chief Executive of the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA). She regularly appears in the media sharing the views of NDNA members, raising public awareness and lobbying Government for the support that nurseries need to deliver high-quality care and education for children.

Don’t miss out…

To get informed about the future of education, book your ticket for Education Summit 2023 and we’ll see you at London’s Business Design Centre on 29th September!

Tickets are FREE for education providers within (but not limited to) early years, primary, secondary, higher or further education.