Dinky Ones Early Years Consultancy

24/06/2026

New trustees/committee members in your setting following your AGM this term?

Onboarding new trustees correctly is essential to ensure they feel welcomed, informed, and fully equipped to carry out their duties effectively.

A well-structured induction process not only helps trustees understand their legal and ethical responsibilities but also sets the tone for a positive and engaged board culture.

This toolkit ensures new trustees have the clarity, guidance, and resources they need to contribute confidently and responsibly from the very start.

It includes a Welcome Letter, an Overview of Trustee Responsibilities, a Trustee Code of Conduct, Role Descriptions (chair, treasurer, secretary), a Trustee Confidentiality Agreement, and a Trustee Suitability Form

Get your copy here

Onboarding new trustees correctly is essential to ensure they feel welcomed, informed, and fully equipped to carry out their duties effectively. A well-structured induction process not only helps trustees understand their legal and ethical responsibilities but also sets the tone for a positive and e...

24/06/2026

The sun is at its highest and the day is full of possibility (and heat!)

🌞 Happy Midsummer's Day 🌞

May your day be light, joyful and full of summer magic.

I hope you can keep as cool as you can

23/06/2026

One of UK's largest nursery chains served with safeguarding notice
https://www.itv.com/news/2026-06-23/one-of-uks-largest-nursery-chains-served-with-safeguarding-notice #

23/06/2026

Most early years trustees are parents who never expected to run a charity.

And that's okay - you don't need a background in governance to be brilliant at this.

You do need clarity, confidence and support.

That's what this workshop gives you.

Join us for Building Strong Foundations: What Trustees Do. A friendly, accessible introduction to your trustee roles and responsibilities.

Perfect for:

👶 pre-school and nursery committee members
🌱 new trustees
💛 anyone feeling unsure where to start

Tuesday 7th July | 7.30 -9.30pm | Live on Zoom

Book here https://www.dinkyones.com/workshops

23/06/2026

IMPORTANT NOTICE

I will be closed from midday tomorrow (Wednesday).

It’s been 36 degrees in my office this afternoon and with tomorrow due to be even hotter and more humid I’ve had a word with the boss and she said okay 🤣🤣

I will be checking emails from my phone whilst sitting next to a fan but I may not get back to you instantly.

I’ll review tomorrow for Thursday.

Stay safe everyone

23/06/2026

One of my lovely clients are looking for staff to add to their already amazing team. Contact Maria if you're interested.

We are looking to add to our lovely team. Please contact Maria if interested. [email protected]

23/06/2026

Review one policy every month

Many settings will wait until the summer holidays (I was guilty of this!!) or an inspection to look at policies.

Instead, schedule one policy for review each month. In a year you'll have reviewed 12 policies without creating a mountain of work.

Small regular reviews are much easier than a last minute scramble or a summer of reading.

22/06/2026

What would your setting achieve if you weren't constantly firefighting committee issues?

Imagine having:

✔ A more sustainable governance structure
✔ Trustees who can stay involved for longer
✔ Less disruption from annual committee turnover
✔ Greater confidence in your setting's future

For many charity-managed pre-schools, becoming a CIO has been the key to creating long-term stability.

My Incorporation Package takes care of the paperwork, Charity Commission registration, Ofsted re-registration support, asset transfers and everything in between, giving you the support you need every step of the way.

Your focus should be on children, families and your team—not wrestling with governance challenges.

📅 Book a Discovery Call and find out how a CIO could transform your setting https://www.dinkyones.com/discovery-call

22/06/2026

Every moment with a child matters more than we realise.

A smile, a pause, a gentle word, a shared laugh; these tiny interactions shape how children feel, learn and connect. In early years, there’s no such thing as a “small” moment. Children read your tone, your presence, your calm… and they build their day around it.

“Every interaction is an intervention. Even the smallest moment can shape a child’s whole day.”

A beautiful reminder that what you do in the moment becomes part of a child’s story.

22/06/2026

With temperatures set to soar this week I thought you may find this document from the UKHSA useful.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/looking-after-children-and-those-in-early-years-settings-before-and-during-hot-weather-teachers-and-other-educational-professionals?fbclid=IwY2xjawSl1YZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEezVPa_f-SFSJfGqUqaREPxFiofNkGAed4DGIHdCPE8eICToZMOcecIAaDJdo_aem_NR9hDR8zOXGcoFuo4rHjtg

This page advises those working with children on how to reduce the risks of hot weather to the health of people they provide care for. This is part of the guidance for the hazard: heat.