A Lancashire-based software specialist is celebrating 20 years in business with a reissue of its industry guide.

Connect Childcare announced the second edition of its expert-led guide, fashioned for the early years sector, in honour of its 20-year anniversary.

The guide, called "The ABC of Nursery Management" consolidates 26 contributions from key industry figures such as Dr Julian Grenier CBE, Cheryl Hadland, and June O’Sullivan OBE.

The detailed alphabetical format of the guide offers critical insights on topics including funding, Ofsted inspections, SEND, and staff recruitment.

Chief executive of Connect Childcare, Chris Reid, who has been steering the company since 2004, said: "Due to the overwhelmingly positive response we had following the initial publication of the ABC guide back in 2022, it’s been a pleasure to relaunch the guide in recognition of our 20th year in business.

"Reflecting on the changes that have taken place throughout the early years sector, one thing that remains constant in the industry is the genuine commitment and dedication from those fostering best practice and creating the best possible outcomes for the children in their care.

"I hope this guide goes some way to help educate, inspire, and inform."

June O'Sullivan OBE, chief executive of London Early Years Foundation (LEYF), said: "For this latest edition of the guide, I chose to focus on the qualities of an effective leader.

"Whilst there is no doubt that leaders in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) most powerfully influence teaching and learning through their impact on staff motivation and working conditions, understanding how to become an effective leader is one of the greatest challenges."

Connect Childcare, marking 20 years of trading to the early years sector in August 2024, currently employs over 50 staff and works with over 3,500 nurseries across the UK.

The guide is freely downloadable from the company's website.