Nursery managers reveal their own ideas on how to tackle market dilemmas - not least the disparity in funding levels between the maintained and PVI sectors, and how they aspire to a genuine partnership 'moving forwards'.
Another big preoccupation is the implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage. On page 12 we investigate the new terminology and paperwork it involves, and talk to some pro-active settings about how they are helping their staff to gear up administratively for the big day.
When it comes to staff, young recruits can be an asset to any setting, but they need to be given plenty of guidance and encouragement. We find out on page 18 how they will respond to good leadership and can be given the right opportunities to progress.
Toilets and washrooms? Every nursery has to have one, and making them bright, hygienic and user-friendly is the key to minimising stress and extra work for staff, as we see on page 25.
The current economic climate may be tough, but there is still plenty of movement in the market. On page 29 a leading broker takes the pulse of the property market and identifies the country's current 'hot spots'.