News

Early years research company Ceeda to close next month

Ceeda, the independent market researcher for the early years and childcare sector, has announced its closure at the beginning of May due to a lack of funds.
Jo Verill, founder and managing director of Ceeda, which closes in May
Jo Verill, founder and managing director of Ceeda, which closes in May

Founded in 1999 by managing director Jo Verrill, Ceeda was established to carry out independent research and intelligence for childcare providers, investors, local authorities and sector stakeholders.

Making the announcement on the Ceeda website, Verrill said, ‘It is with sadness that we announce the closure of Ceeda with effect from 1 May 2022. It has been our great privilege to work with the early years sector over the last two decades, providing independent research and intelligence on funding and workforce challenges, in a sector so vital to our children’s futures.

‘We would like to thank everyone who has made our work possible by supporting, funding or participating in our research programmes, we could not have done it without you.’

Verrill has worked closely with Nursery World over the years including judging at the Nursery World awards. She was also a member of the Early Years Workforce Commission set-up in 2020 to tackle the recruitment crisis.

Ceeda’s research has included data on the workforce and the more recent About Early Years Covid-19 tracker.

Jo Verrill told Nursery World, 'would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has made our work possible by supporting, funding or participating in our research programmes, we could not have done it without you.

'The decision to close Ceeda has been made with a heavy heart. Raising funds for our research programmes has always been a challenge and, in common with many in the sector itself, we have fought to remain sustainable over the years. Sadly these challenges have proved too great.'