Early Years - the organisation for young children

17/06/2026

16/06/2026

Active play gives children and carers the freedom to move, learn and develop. 👣✨

Darryl Edwards, founder of the ‘Primal Play Method’, joined our Early Years Conference 2026 to share his expertise with early years specialists on the impact of movement and physical play in children’s development and carers’ wellbeing.

The Fitness Explorer - Darryl Edwards

12/06/2026

The Power of Play Conference in action!

We had a fantastic day bringing together early years practitioners, leaders and specialists gathered for the annual Early Years Conference 2026 at the Killyhevlin Hotel in Enniskillen.

Attendees participated in keynote sessions, workshops, stalls and conversations on the critical role of play and evidence-informed approaches in supporting healthy child development, improving outcomes from the earliest stages, and helping children feel confident, capable and ready to reach their full potential.

A special thank you to our incredible keynote speakers Darryl Edwards and Anna Machin, the wonderful staff at Killyhevlin Hotel, and all our attendees for their enthusiasm, contributions, and reflections throughout the day.

The Fitness Explorer - Darryl Edwards Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges

11/06/2026

A huge congratulations to Early Years CEO Pauline Walmsley who attended an investiture at Windsor Castle earlier this week where she was formally appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.

Pauline received the honour in recognition of her outstanding services to the education and development of young children, following her inclusion in the 2026 New Year Honours List. The OBE marks a significant national acknowledgment of her sustained impact, leadership, and dedication.

Pauline said; “I’m deeply honoured to receive this recognition. It reflects the hard work of so many colleagues and partners, past and present, who share my commitment to improving outcomes for children. Meeting the Princess Royal at the investiture was a great privilege and a wonderful occasion for Early Years, myself and my family.”

“The award is, most importantly, recognition of the innovative and groundbreaking work that Early Years has undertaken locally, nationally and internationally over many years. I am particularly proud of our Reggio inspired programmes, our impact on the educational outcomes for children facing disadvantage and our work to promote respect for diversity.”

The Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) is awarded to individuals who have made a major contribution at national level or a leading role at regional level in their field, including charitable and public service.

11/06/2026

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” — Fred Rogers

Play is so much more than fun — it’s how children explore their world, form relationships, and express the many languages of who they are.

At Toybox, we recognise play as a fundamental right and a powerful driver of learning and development. When we protect time and space for play, we create opportunities for creativity to flourish, confidence to grow, and meaningful connections to take shape — for children and families alike.

Let’s celebrate play today, and every day, as the foundation of joyful, meaningful learning.

✨ So, how will you be playful today?
Department of Education NI

10/06/2026

✨Expression of Interest now open for year three of PEACEPLUS ASPIRE, beginning September 2026 ✨

Pre-school settings across Northern Ireland and the border counties of the Republic of Ireland are invited to submit an Expression of Interest Form.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a project bringing children from different backgrounds together to promote peace, reconciliation and inclusivity through shared education.

If your setting is interested in taking part, please submit your Expression of Interest by:
📆 Monday 15 June at 4pm

Find out more and apply here:
👉 www.early-years.org/aspire

10/06/2026

We were delighted to exhibit at NICVA Summit 2026 🎉

It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with community providers, share insights on our early years work, and highlight the vital role the sector plays in supporting children and families.

We also valued the chance to engage with funders and partner organisations, strengthening relationships and exploring how we can continue to work together to support and grow the early years sector. 💬

10/06/2026

🌱 We’re Stronger from the Start 🌱

Early Years - the organisation for young children is proud to have taken the Stronger from the Start Pledge, reaffirming our commitment to giving every child the very best beginning in life.

Through nurturing relationships, meaningful connections, and compassionate care, we support babies and families to thrive from the very earliest moments. 💛

Together, we are championing the importance of early relationships and emotional wellbeing as part of 2026.

09/06/2026

🌟 Project Spotlight: Naíonra an tSléibhe Dhuibh 🌟

The Pathway Fund is delighted to shine a spotlight on one of our Irish‑medium funded projects — Naíonra an tSléibhe Dhuibh 💚

Pilib Mistéil (Principal) shares how investment from The Pathway Fund over the past 10 years has helped support children in the Greater Ballymurphy area of Belfast. This Irish‑medium pre‑pre‑school provision plays a vital role in preparing young learners at the very start of their journey to become confident bilingual speakers of Irish and English.

✨ Another fantastic example of how sustained support can create a lasting impact in our communities.

08/06/2026

We were delighted to attend the International Professional Development Association conference in Dublin at the weekend on the theme of ‘The Professional Learning Atlas: Mapping Frontiers in Research, Policy, and Practice’, represented by our Chief Operating Officer Audrey Rainey.

As part of our ongoing partnership with Stranmillis University College, we convened a symposium examining the transformative role of professional associations to connect practitioners across disciplines, sectors, and career stages and to strengthen learning, professional identity and collective impact.

In closing, participants reflected on how deeper, more intentional professional collaboration can underpin sustainable professional learning and drive meaningful change.