There's a real sense of change and new beginnings in the air and the blue skies and warm sunshinte (at the time of writing!) have definitely enhanced a sense of optimism.
In line with this our autumn Nursery Management aims to update nursery businesses on all the important issues that will affect them in the coming months and explore how change can be positive.
There is certainly a lot to talk about. A very hot topic currently is the free entitlement for two-year-olds which is gathering momentum towards its ambitious remit of offering a place to 40 per cent of all twos by 2014. We've looked at this in depth to find out how the offer can work on the ground and how well-documented obstacles can be overcome.
Talking of work on the ground, we are delighted that Outdoor Matters' Gail Ryder Richardson has contributed a comprehensive guide to auditing your outdoor space and maximising its potential whatever its size. There is everything you need to come up with a plan and carry it out, and ensure all your team will want to get involved.
If you are still grappling with the likes of Twitter and Facebook as ways of effectively promoting your setting and maintaining the right profile, have a look at our feature on pages 10-11 which talks to nursery managers who have been through the learning curve and have useful advice to offer.
To complete the feel-good factor, find out how charity fundraising not only helps others but builds a strong company culture, while raising the community profile of the business.
Good causes also help to develop children's knowledge and understanding of the world and promote confidence and well-being - a good fit under the revised EYFS.