We’re extending our lending target for the early years sector from £100m to £250m, as part of our role in The Royal Foundation Business Taskforce for Early Childhood.
This means that many more early years settings, who currently find it difficult to access the financial support they need, will now be able to do so, alongside tailored guidance and support to navigate the challenges they face and to seize growth opportunities.
We’ve announced this support as the Taskforce marks one year since the publication of its ‘Case for Change’ report, which set out the business case for prioritising early childhood.
Alongside this increase in lending for the early years sector, we offer a Childcare Toolkit – which provides tailored guidance and support to help early years settings overcome challenges and seize growth opportunities.
Barrie Davison, Senior Director and National Sector Head at NatWest, said:
"Access to early years education is essential for children's development, and the ability to access childcare is critical for supporting working families and the broader UK economy. We are proud to be a founding partner of the Royal Foundation, enhancing our support for the early years sector. In our first year, we reached over 10,000 children through funding to early years businesses, and we are dedicated to increasing our lending target to £250m so that even more children can benefit from these vital services. At NatWest, we recognise the Early Years Sector as the cornerstone of a healthy economy and key to long-term, sustainable growth.
"NatWest remains committed to further supporting the sector through tailored financial products, advisory services and bankers that truly understand the sector."
How our support is making a difference
Shining Stars Nursery is one of the many early years businesses we’ve supported as part of our commitment to the sector.
Ateeq Sharief, Director of Shining Stars Nursery said:
“We founded Shining Stars Nursery in 2016 with just four children and a vision to create something special for local families. Today, we’re an award-winning, Ofsted Outstanding setting, with families travelling from across Derby.
“With the support of our Relationship Manager, Rebecca Birch, and the Natwest team, we’re now preparing to open a £1 million nursery in Mickleover, due to launch in September 2025 alongside the Government’s expansion of funded childcare. We’re also investing in a new purpose-built baby unit at our current site, adding 25 baby places.
“NatWest’s support has been instrumental in helping us grow with confidence and continue investing in the future of early years — because every child deserves the best start in life.”
About the Taskforce
The Taskforce was established in March 2023 by The Princess of Wales to drive the early childhood agenda and galvanise business action. Since then, taskforce members Aviva, The Cooperative Group, Deloitte, Iceland Foods, IKEA UK and Ireland, The LEGO Group, NatWest Group and Unilever, have worked together to develop their understanding of the scale of the opportunity and the role that business can play.
