Connect Childcare

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!
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30/12/2025

All your nursery payments in one place 💳

We’re starting 2026 with some useful improvements to Connect Cashflow, our payments feature.

Very soon, managing payments will be quicker and simpler. You’ll be able to collect fees faster, cut down admin, and take all parent payment methods in one place, including Tax-Free Childcare.

It’s designed to make day to day life easier for nursery teams and parents.

👉 Want a quick demo? Register your interest and we’ll be in touch in the new year when it’s ready.

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28/12/2025

🧾 Are your nursery invoices ready for 2026?

New guidance means invoices must be much clearer. From January, you’ll need to clearly show funded hours, paid hours and any extra charges, alongside your full nursery details.

Connect Childcare makes this simple with LEA-compliant invoice templates for sessional and annualised billing. Funded and non-funded hours are clearly separated, helping you stay compliant without adding to your admin load.

See the links in the comments to find out more.

23/12/2025

A handy Christmas read for nursery leaders...

Got a quieter moment over Christmas? Our free guide to Ofsted’s new Early Years Inspection Framework is a quick, practical read.

It covers what inspectors are looking for, the new grading system, the Nominee role and how to feel confident on inspection day.

Read it now, feel prepared, and head into the new year ready for whatever inspection brings.

👉 Download the free guide. (Link in comments)

10/11/2025

🖤 Black Friday is coming! 🖤

We’ve pulled together some brilliant offers just for our early years community! From saving time on paperwork to topping up your resource cupboard, now’s the time to grab a bargain (or two).

Here’s what’s waiting for you 👇

✨ 20% off your monthly fees for the Connect Childcare Full Package.
💷 Plus a £50 Amazon voucher after your first month – a little thank you to spend on new resources for the year ahead.

And that’s not all! Our amazing early years partners are joining in too:
🧩Everything Early Years (Jamie Victoria The Childcare Guru) – Membership for £39.99 instead of £49.99

🎵 Boogie Mites – 20% off the Music & Wellbeing Practitioner Training Package and 10% off all programme

🧡 Marmalade Early Years Consultancy (Alexandra Chiorando) – 20% off behaviour and sensory processing courses

If you’ve been thinking about nursery management software, now’s your moment. See how Connect can transform the way you run your setting and enjoy some brilliant savings while you’re at it.

⏰ Don’t wait – these offers end Monday, 1st December!
👉 Use code CCBLACKFRIDAY when you book your demo and grab the partner discounts with the codes provided.