About Us

Early Years is the largest organisation in Northern Ireland for young children. We are a non-profit making organisation and have been working since 1965 to promote high quality childcare for children aged 0 - 12 and their families.

On 1st November 2007 we changed our name to Early Years - the organisation for young children. When we started our work in 1965 NIPPA stood for Northern Ireland Pre-School Playgroup Association, but as our work developed we realised that this did not fully reflect all that we do so we changed our name to NIPPA - the early years organisation. In 2005 we realised that our work had moved on again and after consultation with members and stakeholders we voted to change our name to Early Years - the organisation for young children.

Currently Early Years provides information and training for parents, childcare providers, employers and local authorities. We hope this website will help you to find out more about early childcare and education.

Our Vision

Children are:

• Strong, competent and visible in their communities
• Physically and emotionally healthy
• Eager and able to learn
• Respectful of difference

Our Values

We believe in:

• Childhood - in its own right
• Listening to children – and those who care for them
• A strong voice for children
• Play, fun and creativity
• Parenting
• Participation
• Community
• Partnership
• Inclusion and diversity
• Excellence and evidence based innovation
• Effective stewardship and governance
• A professional, committed and recognised workforce
• Valuing staff, members and their commitment