Early Years are pleased to offer “Strategies to Support Children with SEN”—a practical training designed to build your knowledge, confidence, and skills when working with children with additional needs.
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Join us for the Early Years Conference 2026 at the Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh on Friday, 5th June, for an inspiring and practical day focused on the power of play and the science that supports healthy development in young children.
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A meeting of the All Party Group followed the AGM. The Department of Education provided an update on the Draft Executive ELC consultation process. Officials are currently completing a thorough analysis of the responses received via the consultation survey and additional written responses, along with the findings of the public consultation events.
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Early Years has submitted a comprehensive response to the Draft Executive Early Learning and Childcare Strategy informed by wide ranging and direct engagement with sectoral representatives, parents and children. We support the direction of travel and we welcome the Executive’s recognition that children, families, providers and the workforce all need a stronger system.
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Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) will continue into 2026-27.
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The Minister outlined how addressing early education and childcare concerns has been a priority issue for him since assuming office - highlighting the wider socio-economic benefits that can come from tackling these issues.
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Early Years - the organisation for young children, is pleased to announce that our Chief Executive Officer Pauline Walmsley has been awarded the prestigious Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her contribution to the education and development of young children.
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The past year has brought rapid and welcome change in our sector, culminating in the release of a draft Early Learning and Childcare Strategy from Education Minister Paul Givan. The consultation has been long awaited and I hope that when the final strategy is launched, it will be a significant step change for our sector.
The Northern Ireland Executive is now recognising that when we get it right for children, we get it right for parents, families, and society as a whole.
The Department of Education updated on standardisation within early education, the universal offer through which the Department provides a year of funded preschool education for every target age child who wishes to take up a place.
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The 2025 Early Years AGM took place on 23rd October and brought together members from across Northern Ireland to reflect on a transformative year and set the course for the future.
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Our new Members Area is packed with resources designed to support, inform, and empower our members.
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Cathy Mason gave a summary of recent developments including the publication of findings from the independent Strategic Review of the Northern Ireland Curriculum; a £6.6 million investment package for the Pathway Fund, new funding stream for Approved Home Childcarers; and the extension of NICSS to school age children.
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Early Years recently hosted an AgendaNi round table on early learning and childcare. Read in full here.
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To celebrate our 60th anniversary, we’re getting back to our grassroots and offering FREE membership to all Parent & Toddler groups for the 2025/26 year.
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In this issue, we offer a closer look at the final transnational project meeting in Genoa, as well as the results of the project, and how the project multiplier event “Greencode Days” was held in our partner countries.
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Membership is open to any childcare setting, individual or organisation working to support the vision and values of Early Years.
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Watch CEO Pauline Walmsley outline the new offer and comprehensive benefits of joining our community.
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Early Years have issued a commemorative publication to celebrate '60 Years of Nurturing Young Children' which captures some of the highlights of the last six decades.
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Registration for school age children has now opened from 21st July!
Eligible working parents will be able to receive a 15% childcare subsidy - up to £184 per month.
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Hear from some of our speakers who share their insights and experience of the conference and of working in early education and childcare.
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