Private, voluntary, independent (PVI) nurseries | What are they and why do they matter?

What are PVI nurseries?

PVI nurseries are early years settings that operate in the private, voluntary and independent (PVI) sector. Unlike nursery schools which are attached to state schools and are run directly by local authorities, PVI nurseries are delivered by a wide range of providers, including private companies, charities, social enterprises, community groups and sole traders.

The PVI sector delivers most of the funded early education places for two-, three- and four-year-olds. Although these nurseries are independently run, they operate within national regulatory frameworks.

All PVI nurseries must be registered with either Ofsted, Care Inspectorate (CI) or Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) and they must meet the requirements of the early years curriculum for each country, which sets standards for learning, development, staff qualifications, ratios and safeguarding.

PVI nurseries can vary widely in size and structure, from small, single-site settings to large national nursery groups. While many receive public funding to deliver free early education entitlements, they often rely on parental fees to cover the full cost of provision, including staffing, premises and resources.

This funding model means PVI nurseries are particularly exposed to rising costs and changes in government policy.

Which nurseries provide the majority of childcare in the UK?

Across the UK, PVI nurseries deliver around 80% of funded childcare places for under threes, and more than 1.1 million children are currently registered with them. For many parents, especially those who juggle work, shift patterns or multiple children, PVIs are the most accessible and practical option.

That’s because these nurseries are built around real family lifestyles. They are more likely to be open for longer hours, operate year-round, and offer flexibility in how funded hours can be used.

This makes an enormous difference to parents who need reliable consistent care rather than strictly term-time or school-day provision. But flexibility is only part of the story.

What type of early years education do PVI nurseries offer?

The quality of education and care in private, voluntary and independent (PVI) nurseries is something the sector should be incredibly proud of. According to Ofsted, 98% of PVI nurseries in England are rated Good or Outstanding. These settings deliver rich play-based learning that supports children’s communication, physical development, emotional wellbeing and early literacy and numeracy.

Many PVIs also offer experiences that parents value, from outdoor forest school learning to music, movement, cooking and early language development. Most importantly, these experiences are tailored to the children, not delivered through a one-size-fits-all model.

Benefits of private, voluntary and independent nurseries

One of the most powerful benefits of PVI nurseries are the relationships they build with families. For many parents, nursery staff are among the first professionals they trust with their child.

These relationships matter. Practitioners can spot developmental needs early, offer reassurance during tricky times and provide continuity through some of the most formative years of a child’s life.

Amy Cole, Head of Operations at Kidspace Childcare, talks about the benefits of a PVI nursery

1. Every child is treated as an individual

At Kidspace, we are proud to support a wonderfully diverse community of children. Our families come from a wide range of backgrounds but they aren’t defined by labels or circumstances.

We believe every child deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated for who they are. That’s why we focus on each child as an individual — nurturing their strengths, supporting their areas of development, and helping them build the skills they need for lifelong learning.

We want our families to feel supported, understood, and empowered to be the best versions of themselves.

2. Flexibility for parents doing shift work

We understand the reality of juggling childcare with demanding or unpredictable work schedules — because as a family run business, we’ve lived that challenge ourselves.

For parents working shifts, especially those in emergency services, we take an individualised approach. Our role is to make the system work for them, not the other way around. This level of flexibility makes a real difference to families and allows children to experience consistency, security, and high quality care, even when their parents’ schedules are anything but predictable. 

3. Early support for children with SEND

We work closely with families from the very beginning, building trusting relationships. Early support allows us to identify needs quickly and put the right strategies in place. This early intervention can make a significant difference to a child’s confidence, communication, and overall development.

Our team works collaboratively with external professionals to ensure that every child receives the right level of support. We use targeted strategies, tailored resources and individualised learning plans to help children make progress at their own pace. We celebrate every achievement and ensure that children feel valued, included and capable. 

‘His wellbeing came first’

One child had a significant SEN diagnosis and required consistent 1:1 support. Although the funding only covered term time hours, we employed a dedicated member of staff to work alongside him for 37 hours a week. His wellbeing came first and continuity of care was essential. 

We worked closely with the family to access DLA and additional funding. We also collaborated with the local SEN team to ensure that the child and family were fully supported, and that interventions were appropriate and effective. 

When his mainstream school place was withdrawn, we provided emotional reassurance and practical guidance. Together we explored alternative schools that could meet his needs, and we supported the family in updating his EHCP. 

We ensured he had access to the right learning materials, sensory resources, and equipment to support his schemas and help him regulate, engage and thrive. This level of need may become increasingly common. Our local authority is consulting on closing four specialist SEN nurseries. This could significantly reduce parental choice and place greater pressure on settings like ours.

5. Strong relationships with parents

When a family chooses us, they are placing their most precious person in our care. We never take that responsibility lightly. Trust is something we build on and develop. 

From the very beginning, we take an open and transparent approach. Children start with settling in sessions alongside their parents. If a family feels their child needs more time, we adapt. Our aim is to make the transition as smooth and reassuring as possible for both the child and the parent. 

Daily communication plays a huge role in building trust. Every child also receives a detailed weekly observation with photos. This gives parents a clear picture of their learning, interests, and progress. 

What is NDNA?

NDNA stands for National Day Nurseries Association. This national charity represents private, voluntary and independent (PVI) nurseries.

It is currently running a campaign “Nursery: Where the Best Start Happens” with the message that:

PVIs are not just childcare providers, they are a lifeline for families and a vital place at the heart of the local community.

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