Early Years CEO Honoured with OBE for Exceptional Services to Young Children
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. The honour recognises Pauline for her dedication to empowering young children and their families, championing early learning and care, and improving opportunities for future generations.
Pauline is a native of Kesh, County Fermanagh, and commenced her career with Early Years in 1997, taking over the role of CEO in 2019. She has dedicated her career to ensuring that all children and their families have the right and opportunity to access quality early learning and care.
Pauline is also a founding member of the International Network on Peace Building with Young Children (INPB) and an honorary officer of the Early Childhood Peace Consortium (ECPC) and continues to work on peacebuilding.
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. The honour recognises Pauline for her dedication to empowering young children and their families, championing early learning and care, and improving opportunities for future generations.
Pauline is a native of Kesh, County Fermanagh, and commenced her career with Early Years in 1997, taking over the role of CEO in 2019. She has dedicated her career to ensuring that all children and their families have the right and opportunity to access quality early learning and care.
Pauline is also a founding member of the International Network on Peace Building with Young Children (INPB) and an honorary officer of the Early Childhood Peace Consortium (ECPC) and continues to work on peacebuilding.
"I am humbled and honoured to receive the OBE," said Pauline. "This recognition is a testament to the collective effort of my incredible team, the children and families we support, and the many partners across Government and the community, voluntary and independent sector who have supported our mission. I am committed to continuing our work to create positive change in the lives of young children and supporting them to reach their full potential."
“I am particularly pleased to be honoured with this award just weeks after the release of a Draft Executive Early Learning and Childcare Strategy for consultation, for which our sector has long campaigned. I hope that when the final strategy is launched that it will be a significant step change for early learning and childcare across Northern Ireland.”
Pauline Walmsley - Early Years CEO
Early Years Chair Nemonie Fulton said "We are extremely proud of Pauline for receiving this well-deserved recognition. Her leadership has been transformative within the organisation and the broader community. The OBE highlights her commitment to making a difference in the lives of young children, and we could not be more thrilled for her."
The Order of the British Empire (OBE) is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities and fields of expertise. Pauline’s OBE recognises her exceptional service and her lasting impact on shaping the future of young children at home and further afield.