Our experienced Information Service Team, accredited to the Matrix Standard, offers an independent professional helpline and factsheets, providing advice and guidance to students, practitioners and professionals in the early years sector.  Particular guidance is provided on starting up and managing an early years setting, covering topics such as finance, employment and safeguarding. For charitable member settings specialist advice is offered on following charitable law.

With a broad understanding of Alliance’s key products and services, the team should be your first point of call if you have a query, but are unsure who to contact.

At a local level, Alliance development workers offer support in many practical ways. Where available, this support includes working with the Early Years Foundation Stage, registering with Ofsted and preparing for inspection and business development. This is invaluable to providers to reflect and improve on practice year-on-year. Our development workers also advise on the latest policies and funding streams and collate and share best practice.

The following information will assist in starting and managing an early years setting:

• Starting up
• Managing a setting
• Finance
• Employing staff
• Safeguarding
• Marketing and fundraising
• Parents as partners

The Alliance has helped to develop a user‑friendly, nursery management software package called ‘EY‑Essential’. The package supports early years practitioners with daily management tasks such as bookings, ratios, diary to staff rotas and invoicing. Find out more