Connect Childcare

26/08/2026

We're featured in Nursery World Magazine's special focus on management software.

Our CEO Chris Reid on AI in early years: the question isn't whether to add it, but how to use it in a way that genuinely helps children — and that you can stand behind.

Plus a kind word from Elmscot Nursery Group on what our support actually feels like.

Catch up here:

30/07/2026

'Safeguarding children and babies in early years settings' - is the new FREE training that has been written by the NSPCC and in collaboration with the DfE. It was launched last week and we promised to post the details and the links for EY practitioners to access this authentic, research based safeguarding training.

Here's some details about the course.

The course comprises of 5 online modules.
💛What is safeguarding?
❤️Operating in line with legislation and guidance.
💙Recognising harm, abuse and neglect.
🧡Responding to and reporting harm.
💚Creating a culture of safeguarding.

The link to take you to the training is embedded into the new Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework (Sept 2026) at the bottom of the Annex C: Criteria for effective safeguarding training. This takes you back to the main website page for the EYFS here:👇

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework--2

Scroll down the page on the website and you will come to the text below. 👇

DfE has developed online safeguarding training in collaboration with the NSPCC. The training is free for all early years educators. Log in to the early years safeguarding training. 👇

You may already have an account?

If you do not have an account, use the registration form to sign up. 👇

https://eysafeguardingtraining.vc-enable.co.uk/Register

13/05/2026

Lots happening at Connect 👀

There’s plenty to help your nursery save time and stay organised ahead of the new academic year 💙

✨ Watch back our latest product update webinar
🎓 Book free Connect Academy training sessions to help you get ready for the new academic year
🚨 Register for the Connect Cashflow beta

Which one are you most excited about?

Links in the comments 👇

24/02/2026

We’re pleased to share this latest feature from Nursery World Magazine looking at how management software is evolving to support early years settings.

The article explores how providers are responding to new operational pressures, including updated invoicing guidance linked to the expanded funded offer and the growing conversation around AI and data security.

It’s a timely read for nursery managers and leaders reviewing their systems and processes this year, particularly with funding transparency and cyber security high on the agenda.

Take a look at the full article here:

16/02/2026

Calling all nursery leader colleagues: 📣 We need your help please!

How confident are you in your nursery’s data security and compliance? 🛡️

Our colleagues at Connect Childcare have relaunched their Data Security Survey to understand how nurseries are managing data compliance and cyber security in 2026.

If you’re responsible for children’s information, staff records, or safeguarding paperwork, your insight would be really valuable. The results will help create a national picture of what’s really happening across the sector. Of course we are also interested in your best practice too! 💪

As a thank you, you’ll be entered into a prize draw to win a £50 Amazon voucher. 😁

Please complete the survey by Friday 27th February. Click on the link below to help us and take the survey. 👇👇

https://connectchildcare.typeform.com/to/AEmCju9d?utm_source=Rachel&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=Rachel

10/02/2026

Nursery managers and owners are invited to take part in a survey on data security and compliance.

23/01/2026

Ofsted have shared a new blog post answering the most common questions about early years inspections.

It covers what they’ve been asked most since the updated inspection framework was published in September 2025, based on feedback from nurseries and other early years settings.

Worth a read if you’re preparing for inspection or just want clarity on what inspectors are looking for.

Read the FAQs here:
https://earlyyears.blog.gov.uk/2026/01/23/early-years-inspections-frequently-asked-questions/

We have also prepared a handy eBook you can download here: https://connectchildcare.com/resources/ebooks/ofsted-2025-guide/

Clear, practical guidance on the new Ofsted framework for early years settings, created with The Childcare Guru to help nursery teams feel confident and inspection ready.

09/01/2026

We hope your new year is off to a great start!

Our free, easy-to-follow Connect Academy training sessions are back for 2026, covering Connect, iConnect and ParentZone.

Whether you’re new or just fancy a refresher, there’s something for everyone.

05/01/2026

Welcome back and happy new year! We hope you had a fantastic festive break.

We’re excited to invite you to our next Product Update Webinar. 📢

Join our product team on 22 January at 2pm on Zoom to hear the latest updates and get a sneak peek at what’s coming next on the Connect Childcare roadmap. We’ve got some exciting things to share!

Can’t make it? Register anyway and we’ll send you the recording.

01/01/2026

Kickstart the new year with confidence 💙

January is the perfect time to set your nursery up for a great year ahead. To make things a little easier and more affordable, we’ve got a special January offer just for you.

For a limited time, StaffPlan is completely free.

Get the full Connect Childcare package for £150 + VAT per month, for the length of your contract. No hidden extras. No surprises.

🗓 Book your demo by Blue Monday, 19 January 2026, to grab the offer.

Here’s to a brilliant start to 2026!
(link in comments)