Early Years AGM 2025 - Review

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.

Key Updates:

Governance & Voting: Members adopted standing orders, approved the 2024 AGM minutes.

Financial Health: Niamh Murnaghan Director of Finance reported on a range of new developments over the past year which led to increased income for the organisation and resulted in a strong net surplus of £230,000.

Strategic Progress: Pauline Walmsley CEO highlighted major achievements, including:

  • Inclusion of early learning and care in the Programme for Government.

  • Expansion of the NI Childcare Subsidy Scheme.

  • Advocacy for SEN funding, preschool standardisation, and professionalisation of the sector.

  • Launch of the Peace Plus Aspire project and continued support for Toybox, Sure Start, and Pathway Fund.

  • Ongoing commitment to strengthening member engagement and provision of quality support across the sector.

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The Annual Report was formally launched and can be accessed below: 

 

Board & Council Elections:

New board members and branch representatives were elected with overwhelming support, reinforcing the organisation’s commitment to inclusive leadership.

Resolutions Passed:

Seven branches proposed and passed resolutions addressing:

  • SEN support and statutory assessment delays.

  • Rates relief for private providers.

  • PAN allocation reform to reflect parental choice.

  • Recruitment challenges and need for vetted reliever staff.

  • Multi-agency pathways for early intervention.

  • Long-term funding stability and professional development.

Looking Ahead:

The AGM concluded with a presentation by Dr. Roger Courtney MBE on succession planning, underscoring the importance of strategic leadership for sustained impact.

 
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Craig CalvertSupport, Children