Lancashire-based software specialist unites industry experts as it celebrates 20 years in business

Written in an alphabet-style format, the next edition of the guide – entitled The ABC of Nursery Management – brings together 26 contributions from some of the sector’s key voices, including Dr Julian Grenier CBE, Cheryl Hadland, and June O’Sullivan OBE to name a few. 

The alphabetised whitepaper features a range of helpful ‘nuggets’ of advice on a range of topics from funding, Ofsted inspections, SEND, staff recruitment and retention and much more.

Connect Childcare created and orchestrated the resource, which is free to download on the nursery management software provider’s website. 

Having been at the helm of the organisation since 2004, Chris Reid, CEO commented: “Due to the overwhelmingly positive response we had following the initial publication of the ABC guide back in 2022, it’s been a pleasure to relaunch the guide in recognition of our 20th year in business.

“Reflecting on the changes that have taken place throughout the early years sector even in recent years, one thing that remains constant in the industry is the genuine commitment and dedication from those fostering best practice and creating the best possible outcomes for the children in their care. I hope this guide goes some way to help educate, inspire, and inform.”

One of the contributing authors, June O'Sullivan OBE and CEO of London Early Years Foundation (LEYF) added: “For this latest edition of the guide, I chose to focus on the qualities of an effective leader – a very important topic which I’ve commentated on for many years. Great leaders, including those who work in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC), shape our teams, organisations, communities, and world. 

“Whilst there is no doubt that ECEC leaders improve teaching and learning most powerfully through their influence on staff motivation, commitment and working conditions, one of the greatest challenges in leadership is understanding how to become an effective leader and the qualities required.”

In August 2024 Connect Childcare will celebrate 20 years of trading to the early years sector. The software development business currently employs over 50 staff and works with 3,500+ nurseries across the UK. 

The guide is available to download for free, here.