Early Years - Latest News

The Early Years Sector - A Significant Economic Driver

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 16:04:07 GMT

Siobhan Fitzpatrick CBE highlights the contribution of the voluntary and independent early years sector to the Northern Ireland economy

The CAN Peace III Project

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:24:00 GMT

The CAN Peace III Project has kicked off again with training happening this week for groups from the Newtownabbey area. Next week sees the training for the Carrickfergus area, after which the parents' workshops will commence.+44)

Faces and Spaces: Children's Shared Space Programme to Promote Good Relations

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:56:43 GMT

Early Years - the organisation for young children has launched a new programme which aims to transform the face of contested or interface areas across Northern Ireland.

Early Years Specialist Service - Supporting Improvement

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:13:00 GMT

Check out the Early Years members who achieved 'Very Good' and 'Outstanding' playgroup inspections recently published by the Education and Training Inspectorate.

Early Years - the organisation for young children reach EFQM Gold Award

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:52:42 GMT

Early Years has been awarded the EFQM Steps to Excellence Gold Award by the Centre for Competitiveness today Thursday 26 January 2012 at Belfast City Hall.

Early Years welcome the Pre-School Admissions Review

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:11:00 GMT

Responding to the outcome of the Pre-School Admissions Review, Early Years - the organisation for young children has welcomed Minister for Education, John O'Dowd's announcement to the Assembly.

Minister John O'Dowd Statement - Review of Pre-School Admissions Arrangements and additional funding

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:00:00 GMT

During a statement to the Northern Ireland Assembly Education Minister, John O'Dowd MLA, outlined the main outcomes from a major Departmental Review into the arrangements surrounding pre-school admissions in Northern Ireland.

Changes to pre-school education announced

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:50:00 GMT

The education minister has announced changes to pre-school education in NI. Children born in July or August will no longer get priority for places as the department said that had disadvantaged younger children entitled to a place.

Rainbow SureStart Christmas Capers 2011

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:00:46 GMT

Rainbow SureStart held its Christmas Capers in the Castlederg and Newtownstewart areas on 14 and 15 December 2011.

Launch of the Taskforce on Traveller Education

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:56:00 GMT

On Wednesday 7th December the Taskforce on Traveller education report was launched by the Minister of Education John O'Dowd.

Early Years latest consultation response to "Equality Scheme for Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister"

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:25:00 GMT

Early Years latest consultation response to "Equality Scheme for Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister" online now

Christmas comes early for little ones as Thompsons and Early Years announce educational initiative

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 18:01:30 GMT

The major Northern Ireland agricultural feeds company John Thompson and Sons and Early Years - the organisation for young children have come together to develop an educational initiative to help more than 32,000 young children understand the world around them. The initiative begins with an amazing treat for 22 high achieving playgroups, nurseries and day care centres across Northern Ireland who have been chosen to receive a toy barn play-set and tractor

Request for Tender - Evaluation of the All Ireland Centre of Excellence Programme

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:24:00 GMT

Early Years are calling for experienced consultants/evaluators and evaluation companies to submit tenders for the Evaluation of the All Ireland Centre of Excellence Programme...

CAN PEACE III Project Phase II Kicks Off

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:21:37 GMT

Early Years has been successful in securing funding from the Carrickfergus, Antrim and Newtownabbey PEACE III Partnership to deliver Media Initiative training to groups across these council areas.

Children of Conflict - Major international conference on NEETS issue launches

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 17:22:18 GMT

The high rate of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) in Northern Ireland is one of the most pressing problems Northern Ireland faces. That was the message at a briefing to launch the Children of Conflict: Solving the Global NEET Crisis international conference which will be held in the Europa Hotel on 26th-28th March 2012. The event is supported by the Department for Employment and Learning, Titanic Foundation, Early Years - the organisation for young children and Barnardo's.

Pensions are changing - details on the new pension reform

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:32:00 GMT

Some of the most important changes to the UK's pension system for a generation will start to take place from 2012 onwards. These reforms will affect every single employer in the UK.

Early Years research highlights sector as significant economic driver

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:31:00 GMT

An independent survey, carried out by iReach Market Research for Early Years. Today Early Years and iReach Market Research launched a robust and representative assessment of the contribution of the voluntary and independent childcare and education sector to the Northern Ireland economy and societ

Letter to Editor Ulster Star

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:01:17 GMT

The following is a letter to the Editor of the Ulster Star from Chief Executive Officer of Early Years - the organisation for young children, Siobhan Fitzpatrick CBE, responding to a recent article published in the paper relating to fears children could miss out again in nursery places.

Join our FREE Parental Membership Today!

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:33:00 GMT

Parental Membership is available to any individual who have parental responsibility for a child and who subscribes to the values and principles of Early Years.

Interested in exhibiting at the Early Years International Conference and AGM 2012?

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:58:08 GMT

Interested in exhibiting at the Early Years International Conference and AGM 2012? We are inviting applications from companies who would be interested in exhibiting at our conference next year.

Early Years is proud to announce a new partnership with IKEA, providing additional benefits for our members

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:09:37 GMT

Early Years is proud to announce a new partnership with IKEA, providing additional benefits for our members. Members can receive 15% off their first order and 10% off all subsequent orders when they open an IKEA Business Membership account, as well as many other great offers, which this benefit provides.

Early Years International Conference and AGM 2012

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 17:28:00 GMT

Save the dates Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th May 2012 for our Early Years International Conference and AGM 2012

Media Initiative for Children Cartoons October 2011 - The Airtime schedule

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 10:23:00 GMT

Media Initiative for Children Cartoons October 2011 - The Airtime schedule

Consultation Released on Minimum Standards for Childminding and Day Care for Children Under Age 12

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 09:30:00 GMT

On Monday 1 August the Minister of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS), Edwin Poots MLA, announced the launch of a public consultation on draft minimum care standards for childminding and day care services for children under age 12.

Women's Centres Regional Partnership (WCRP) - provide educational opportunities for women

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 09:08:00 GMT

As the new school year starts, women across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to head back into the "classroom". To make it easier to find a course, the Women's Centres Regional Partnership (WCRP) have launched a new website listing more than 300 classes - many of which are free, flexible and offer childcare.

Time to think smart!

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:27:00 GMT

Siobhan Fitzpatrick CBE, Chief Executive Officer of Early Years - the organisation for young children, outlines her organisation's thinking on approaches to public spending In the current economic environment, where HM Treasury has removed £4 billion from the block grant, Early Years appreciates the financial challenges being faced by the Northern Ireland Executive, as well as the associated implications for the 2011-2015 Budget.

Letter to Editor Larne Times

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 11:13:00 GMT

The following is a letter to the Editor of the Larne Times from Chief Executive Officer of Early Years - the organisation for young children, Siobhan Fitzpatrick CBE, responding to a recent article published in the paper relating to disparity in exam results.

Consultation released on Taxis Act (NI) 2008 Wedding and Courtesy Transport

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 13:28:09 GMT

On Monday 4 July the Minister of the Department of the Environment (DOE), Alex Attwood MLA, released a public consultation on proposals made by the DOE Road Safety and Vehicle Regulation Division on wedding car and courtesy transport licensing.

O'Dowd cautions Assembly on implication of Early Years Motion

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 10:20:08 GMT

The voluntary sector plays an important role in the provision of pre-school education locally and should be maintained the Education Minister has insisted.

MLA briefing paper ahead of debate on Tuesday 7th June

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 11:33:00 GMT

Motion - That this Assembly calls on the Minister of Education to ensure that adequate nursery school provision is available for all children; to conduct an immediate review of current provision to ensure that unmet need in areas of high demand is addressed in advance of the next school year; to undertake a wider review to ensure that there is adequate provision in future years, with increased attention to early years education; and to introduce a statutory right to pre-school education.

The International Network on Peace Building with Young Children update

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 08:40:30 GMT

The International Network on Peace Building with Young Children has developed two papers which will form the basis of the good practice toolkit and materials for practitioners working with young children in conflict affected regions throughout the world.

The final report from the recent CRAIC project

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 12:37:13 GMT

The final report from the recent Community Relations and Integrating Children (CRAIC) project can now be found online.

Early Years Takes Part in Building Communities Initiative

Wed, 25 May 2011 15:42:00 GMT

Early Years will be taking part in the Rural Community Network's Building Communities Fair in St John's Church Hall, Stoneyford on Tuesday 24 May 2011 from 4.30pm to 8.30pm. The event is part of the Rural Enabler Programme's Respect Week which will take place from 23 to 29 May 2011.

Briefing on pre-school places

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 16:58:24 GMT

In recent days a number of misleading and inaccurate assertions have been made in relation to the provision of pre-school places in Northern Ireland. Early Years - the organisation for young children would like to address a number of the points made.

Ritchie: Early Years Funding must be a priorty for new Executive

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 13:45:59 GMT

SDLP Leader and South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has said the new Executive must ensure that the strategy for 0-6year olds is available to all children in the North.

TV Schedules for Airtime of the Media Initiative Cartoons - February

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 11:26:49 GMT

The TV Schedules for Airtime of the Media Initiative Cartoons are now available for February.

Tackling Sectarianism through Early Years Programmes

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 17:26:00 GMT

Siobhan Fitzpatrick CBE casts a spotlight on the role the early years sector can play in helping the youngest members of our society to respect difference

Government told to invest to protect and prevent violence against children

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 10:01:06 GMT

Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, today reminded Government of their commitment to protect children and young people from all forms of violence and abuse.

Congratulations to Siobhan Fitzpatrick

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:22:57 GMT

Siobhan Fitzpatrick, chief executive of Early Years - the organisation for young children has received her CBE from Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace.

Early Years Annual Zoo Day 2011 Belfast Zoological Gardens

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 16:19:00 GMT

For the first time, Early Years annual Zoo Day will be taking place over 2 days on Wednesday 25th May 2011 and Thursday 26th May 2011 at Belfast Zoo from 10am to 3pm.

Early Years Annual Folk Day 2011 Ulster American Folk Park

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 16:17:14 GMT

Our annual Folk Day will take place at the Ulster American Folk Park on Thursday 5th May 2011 and Friday 6th May 2011 from 10.30am to 13.30pm. This event is open to all groups from the areas of Co. Tyrone, Co. Fermanagh and Co. Londonderry.

Early Years Statement on Budget

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 17:17:00 GMT

In response to today's Executive announcement on a budget for Northern Ireland, Siobhan Fitzpatrick, Chief Executive, Early Years - the Organisation for Young Children, said:

Programme for Cohesion, Sharing and Integration Consultation

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 08:48:27 GMT

Early Years recently submitted a response to OFMDFM following the public consultation on the Programme for Cohesion, Sharing and Integration.

Early Years Consultation Extended

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 07:55:02 GMT

The draft Early Years (0-6) Strategy consultation by the Department of Education has been extended to 31 January 2011.

Early Years 2010 - State of the Sector

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 09:43:08 GMT

Early Years 2010 is the first comprehensive survey of early childhood care and education providers in Northern Ireland. The aim of the survey is to provide an accurate assessment of the contribution of the voluntary and independent childcare and education sector to the Northern Ireland economy and society.

TV Schedules for Airtime of the Media Initiative Cartoons - October

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 11:55:22 GMT

The TV Schedules for Airtime of the Media Initiative Cartoons are now available for October.

Early Years Summary Paper on the 0-6 Strategy for the Education Meeting on 6th October 2010

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:42:34 GMT

Early Years - the organisation for young children welcomes the opportunity to present to the Education Committee during the consultation phase on the 0-6 Early Years Strategy. As members of the Education are aware we have been strong advocates for the development of the strategy and are committed to supporting the implementation of a robust strategy with short, medium and long term action plans.

Recognition that Education begins at birth

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 09:02:39 GMT

The publication of the Early Years 0 - 6 Strategy by the Department of Education for consultation is the most important educational initiative in a generation.

Improving Early Years Progress in STEM Subjects Essential for Long-Term Economic Development

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 14:37:15 GMT

The Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland - Success through Skills - sets out the government's aim to enable people to progress up a skills ladder in order to raise the skills level of the whole workforce.

Briefing Paper for Parents on the Early Years 0-6 Strategy

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 08:09:11 GMT

The publication of the Early Years (0-6) Strategy by the Department of Education for consultation is quite possibly the single most important initiative in education here in a generation.

An Evaluation of the SureStart Programme for 2 year olds

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:24:50 GMT

The Education and Training Inspectorate carried out a detailed evaluation of the programme for two-year-olds within the SureStart centres.

A good day for children in Europe?

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 09:03:07 GMT

Eurochild holds high hopes for the Belgian EU Presidency to deliver on its commitment to children.

TV Schedules for Airtime of the Media Initiative Cartoons

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 11:35:58 GMT

The TV Schedules for Airtime of the Media Initiative Cartoons are now available for June - July.

Politicians should cherish our most important asset

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:59:27 GMT

In the run-up to the forthcoming Westminster elections, Siobhan Fitzpatrick, Chief Executive of Early Years - the organisation for young children, launches her organisation's manifesto, outlining the key issues for the early years sector and calls for a continued investment in services for young children.

Early Years Zoo Day

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 09:55:03 GMT

Our annual Zoo Day takes place at Belfast Zoo on Wednesday 12th May 2010 from 10am to 3pm.

Transforming and Investing in the Early Years Workforce

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:23:55 GMT

In light of the imminent release of the Northern Ireland 0-6 Strategy, Siobhan Fitzpatrick, chief executive of Early Years - the organisation for young children, calls for government to invest in the development of the workforce

Media Initiative for Children messages airing times

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:18:51 GMT

Between the 22nd February - 14th March the Media Initiative messages will be aired on UTV, Channel 4 and RTE.

Act to end Child Poverty now

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:56:59 GMT

Northern Ireland Commissioner, Patricia Lewsley, will today tell an Assembly Committee that concerted action can reduce child poverty and its impact.

Early Years Folk Day 2010

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 12:24:16 GMT

Our annual Folk Day will take place at Ulster American Folk Park on Tuesday 27th April 2010 and Thursday 29th April 2010 from 10.30am to 13.30pm.

NJC payscales 2009/10

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:19:53 GMT

The cost of living increase for 2009/2010 is 1% on Spinal Column Points 11 to 49 and 1.25% on Spinal Column Points 4 to 10 inclusive.

New Year's Honour for Early Years Member

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:48:23 GMT

A Ballymena woman's lifetime of working with young children has received recognition from the Queen in the New Years' Honours List.

Renovation Work

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:18:43 GMT

Early Years is currently undergoing renovation work for the next 6-8 weeks (from the 18 January) and during this time there may be occasions when the library will not be fully functioning.

The Vetting and Barring Scheme: Frequently Asked Questions

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:21:40 GMT

The new Vetting and Barring Scheme ("the Scheme") is one of the Government's key responses to the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman by Ian Huntley, which focused public attention on the way that we vet people who work with children. The resulting Bichard Inquiry recommended a new scheme under which everyone working with children or vulnerable adults should be checked and registered.

Postgraduate Certificate in Integrated Childrens Services

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 08:39:13 GMT

The Postgraduate Certificate in Integrated Children's Services has been designed to recruit those whose work role or interest reflects the current policy and practice developments. It will enable participants to learn about developments in integrated service delivery across health, social care and education.

Assembly Update

Thu, 28 May 2009 10:08:21 GMT

On 21st April the Assembly debated the following motion put down by Dr McDonnell (SDLP) "That this Assembly recognises the threat to future prosperity and well-being posed by educational underachievement in many communities; and calls on the Executive, and the Minister of Education in particular, to produce a cross-cutting departmental action programme designed to tackle educational underachievement."

World Forum fully booked

Thu, 28 May 2009 09:52:58 GMT

The 2009 World Forum on Early Care and Education 2009 to be held in Belfast for the first time is now only a few weeks away, and it has already achieved a significant economic milestone with all 600 places now booked!

£2.35 Million Funding for Local Groups

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 09:03:58 GMT

The Early Years Team within the Department of Education has secured additional funding under the Investment Strategy Northern Ireland (ISNI), to assist in improving the current infrastructure for the Early Years sector by matching the quality of the infrastructure to the range of services already provided.

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Barry Andrews welcomes free pre-school year in early childhood care and education

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 16:54:09 GMT

The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Barry Andrews, T.D. welcomed today's Budget announcement by the Minister for Finance of the introduction next January of a free pre-school year for children.

The Vetting and Barring Scheme

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 10:19:51 GMT

The Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS), which is at the heart of a cross-government strategy to increase the protection of the most vulnerable members of society, comes into effect on 12 October 2009.

The Big Picture

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:11:16 GMT

NICMA - the Childminding Association are celebrating their 25th Anniversary year by attempting to break the world record for the largest FINGER PAINTING - the first time in Northern Ireland!

Zoo Day 2009

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 17:39:38 GMT

Our Annual Zoo Day takes place at Belfast Zoo on Wednesday 13th May 2009 from 10am-2pm.

Changing Childhoods, Changing Policies (MEDD 4017) 21st, 22nd, 23rd May 2009

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 08:54:08 GMT

This module focuses on planning, delivering and evaluating social policy and welfare practice for children and young people that operates within an environment influenced by political, academic and moral agendas. Childhood has become the site for social policies attempting to influence the future well being of society.

The Northern Ireland Assembly is coming to a place near you

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 08:41:54 GMT

Find out more about the Assembly and take the opportunity to discuss local issues with MLAs and hear how the Assembly works for you.

Sticky Fingers Festival 2009

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 08:54:59 GMT

Building on the great success of their first festival this year's programme promises to be even bigger, with two exciting and jam-packed family weekends at Slieve Gullion Forest Park and Narrow Water Castle.

Member Event: Ulster American Folk Park

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:07:56 GMT

Our first annual Folk Day takes place at the Ulster American Folk Park in Castletown, Omagh on Wednesday 29th April 2009 from 11am to 12.30pm.

Early Years Annual General Meeting - Thursday 18th June 2009

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 08:54:55 GMT

Early Years Annual General Meeting will take place as part of the World Forum on June 18 from 6pm to 8pm at the Europa Hotel, Belfast.

Access NI Update

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 08:50:43 GMT

Early Years has been lobbying local politicians to use their influence to improve the service of Access NI.

NJC Payscales 2008/09

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 10:29:58 GMT

The arbitration panel has awarded an additional 0.3% award with effect from 1 April 08. The new figures represent an increase of 2.75% on the April 2007 payscales and not a 0.3% increase on the previously issued April 08 figures.

Great Ideas Abound at World Forum

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 09:14:55 GMT

The program for the 2009 World Forum on Early Care and Education is shaping up to provide a plethora of great ideas and diverse perspectives.

International Family Day Care Organisation Conference 2009

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 09:42:27 GMT

The conference will be held at University College Cork, Ireland from 20th - 25th July 2009.

NICVA organises a free 'Meet the Funders' Fair

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:20:03 GMT

NICVA is organising a free Grant Tracker 'Meet the Funders Fair' on 26 January 2009 whereby groups seeking funding will be given a chance to find out what is available and what is needed to apply by speaking directly with the funders.

Reason Six to attend the 2009 World Forum in Belfast

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 10:00:00 GMT

When you attend the 2009 World Forum in Belfast (June 16 - 19) you will have many opportunities to get involved in international projects.

Reason Five to attend the 2009 World Forum in Belfast

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:36:09 GMT

Every person who registers for the 2009 World Forum on Early Care and Education will be assigned, upon registering, to a 'home team.'

Join your local Early Years Branch

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:53:17 GMT

Early Years Branch structure gives an opportunity for members to work together and learn from each other.

BBC Children in Need Outreach Programme

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 16:48:31 GMT

As you may know, at BBC Children in Need we have changed our application process to make it more accessible to projects and to increase the opportunity to apply.

Reason Four to attend the 2009 World Forum in Belfast

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:19:57 GMT

At what other conference will you have the opportunity to make friends for life with early childhood professionals from Vietnam, Germany, South Africa, China, Afghanistan, Paraguay, and Iraq?

Reason Three to attend the 2009 World Forum in Belfast

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:28:29 GMT

By attending the World Forum in Belfast, Northern Ireland (June 16 - 19, 2009), you will be exposed to perspectives from 60 nations on key early childhood issues.

Reason Two to Attend the 2009 World Forum!

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 08:24:00 GMT

You will see your work through new eyes at the World Forum on Early Care and Education in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Reason One of Ten to attend the 2009 World Forum!

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:40:19 GMT

In the coming weeks we will share features of the World Forum on Early Care and Education that may convince you to register before it is sold out.

Postgraduate Certificate in Integrated Children's Services

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:40:53 GMT

The Postgraduate Certificate in Integrated Children's Services has been designed to recruit those whose work role or interest reflects the current policy and practice developments.

Childcare Transport Exemption Scheme Information Day

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:01 GMT

Early Years and the Driver Vehicle Agency (DVA) will be holding an "Information Day" on the temporary exemption scheme for courtesy transport in childcare settings.

Early Years meets Environment Minister to resolve Day Care Transport Issues

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:36:56 GMT

An exemption scheme for courtesy transport in registered childcare providers will be introduced from September 2008 by the DVA.

Early Years International Conference and AGM 2008 - Booking

Thu, 01 May 2008 14:50:43 GMT

You may now book your place online at the Early Years International Conference and AGM 2008.

NJC Salary Scales

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:45:17 GMT

The NJC salary scales for 2008/09 are not yet available.

Rural Childcare - Investing in the Future

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:22:01 GMT

In July 2007 the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA established a rural childcare stakeholder group to look at and consider the particular issues, challenges and opportunities for rural childcare provision in Northern Ireland.

The Snail and the Whale brought to life

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:00:01 GMT

A new theatre experience for young children with magic, live music, black light animation and breath-taking illusion bringing to life a well known, captivating story.

P.G. Cert in Integrated Children's services

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 10:46:05 GMT

The University of Worcester are running a P.G. Cert in Integrated Children's services starting in November. The Certificate is a direct response to three of the strategic challenges to the children's workforce in Northern Ireland: to retain people in the workforce by offering better development and career progression; to strengthen inter-agency and multi-disciplinary working and, to promote stronger leadership and management. Teaching sessions will take place at Early Years Headquarters.

Children and Ethnic Diversity: Challenges for Research and Practice

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 16:56:00 GMT

Joint Learning Initiative on Children and Ethnic Diversity are organising a One Day International Conference.

Zoo Day

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 00:00:01 GMT

Our annual Zoo Day takes place at Belfast Zoo on Wednesday 14th May 2008 from 10am to 2pm.

Cross Border Training Programme

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 10:00:00 GMT

From January 2008 - March 2008. Free Accredited Training.

Issue 5 of the Early Years Newsletter available to download

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 09:49:05 GMT

Issue Five, (December 2007) of our Early Years Newsletter is now available to download.

Video Casts from the Early Years Launch are now available

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 13:04:52 GMT

At the symposium on the afternoon of the Early Years Launch five presentations were given. You can now watch these presentations by selecting one of the the links below.

NJC Payscale Guidance

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 14:45:37 GMT

The cost of living increase is 2.475% for 2007/2008 (effective from 1 April 2007). NJC scales are based on Local Government working hours of 37.5 per week.

NJC Salary Scales update

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 10:00:00 GMT

Many of our members use NJC Salary Scales as the basis for their staff salaries and a number of treasurers have requested a copy of 2007/8 scales.

Postgraduate Certificate in Integrated Children's Services

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 10:00:00 GMT

The Government's Green Paper 'Every Child Matters' and policy and planning developments in Northern Ireland through the 10 year Children and Young Peoples Strategy and Children's Services Planning, supports further integration of children's services and reform of the children's workforce.

From Conflict to Peace Building: The Power of Early Childhood Initiatives, Lessons From Around the World

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 10:00:00 GMT

A book containing stories of hope and encouragement and of just what early childhood practitioners can do and achieve in the face of adversity. From Conflict to Peace Building shows us that it is possible to make a real difference in the lives of children and families in societies affected by conflict.

International Conference and NIPPA AGM 2008

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:00:00 GMT

The 2008 International Conference and NIPPA AGM will be held on the 12th & 13th June 2008 at the Derry City Hotel.

From the Cradle to the Grave . .

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 10:00:00 GMT

A unique two day conference bringing together the fields of Child Protection, Domestic Violence, Adult protection and Elder Abuse. 25th - 26th September, Tullyglass Hotel, Ballymena.

Northern Ireland Network for Youth - Pre Consultation

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 10:00:00 GMT

In 2005 the then Minister for Education announced plans to establish a Northern Ireland Network for Youth (NINFY) which will 'strengthen the direct voice of young people in all relevant aspects of government provision'.