For over 50 years we, alongside our members, have continued to speak up for children, families, communities and the early childhood care and education sector.

Join us today.

Create an account on our online portal and fill out our application from. You can renew your membership here as well.

Once you have submitted your form, a member of the Early Years team will be in touch and send your welcome pack.

For help and support contact Membership on 02890 662825 or email on membership@early-years.org

Membership Application / Renewal

Membership Benefits

Membership of Early Years gives you the opportunity to be part of a movement that puts the voice and interests of children first in shaping the future, in solidarity and mutual support across the early childhood care and education sector. Membership also provides you with advice and support, access to advocacy and a chance to influence policy, as well as access to an extensive range of benefits and resources to help support you fulfil your vision for improved outcomes for children.

By becoming a member, you also subscribe to the vision and values of Early Years.

Sustainability

Meeting the needs of the early childhood care and education providers, promoting available funding and support. We offer:

Discounted rates for Early Years training sessions.
20% Membership discount on Publications within our online shop.
Discounted Early Years International Annual Conference tickets.
Access to a range of discounts from our partners.
Subsidised rates on the Early Years Disclosures Service (Access NI).
Subsidised rates on the Early Years Salary Service.

Voice

We advocate, mobilise and influence early years policy developments that are rights-based, evidence-informed and appropriately resourced, to support the rights of young children and deliver outcomes for young children. We have a proven track record of influencing policy and funding decisions on behalf of our members.

Learning

Delivering a wide range of training, programmes and professional learning events that continue our drive to improve practice. Members can access:

Exclusive Online Members Area with downloadable resources.
Regular communication on policy updates and topics relevant to the sector.
Early Years Blog.
Member led forums addressing current topics within the sector.
Access to a range of training through our online training partner iHasco.

Network and Connections

Members of Early Years have access to:

A dedicated team of Early Years Specialists.
A Multi-Disciplinary team of experts for relevant and up to date advice.
Early Years Members Group Personal Pension Scheme.
Submit resolutions at the Early Years AGM and influence the strategic direction of the organisation.

Credibility

A focus on trusted, evidence-based quality practice throughout the early childhood care and education sector. Early Years Members can avail of:

Support and Best Practice group sessions.
Virtual or onsite support.
Early Years Quality Assurance Accreditation Schemes.

Visibility

Stand out as an active member in the early years sector.

Early Years Member Magazine.
Partnership with the education union NEU.
Campaigns and local action to promote the interests of children.

Join today

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What our Members say

“On going support has been invaluable this year, feeling connected even though it had to be virtually, discounts from companies & funding received.”

“Any Covid-19 related issue I know I can just look up here and feel confident my team is handling it correctly. I'm glad to have you as an info centre to check in with.”

“The support from the forum meetings this year has been a great help both for information and getting groups financial assistance.”

“The support through Daycare Forum has been invaluable through the pandemic. Advocating and representing the sector to government bodies to secure funding for settings during this period has been a life saver to many nurseries and childminders.”

“Yes (I do find the membership package value for money), as it’s my first year as an early years leader I find the service very valuable as there is always someone on hand to offer advice and guidance.”