About Early Years
For young children. For families. For the early years sector.
Established in 1965, Early Years has worked with and for young children, families, early years settings and communities across Northern Ireland for over sixty years.
We combine practical support, professional expertise, advocacy, research and programme delivery to help improve experiences and outcomes for children and strengthen the early childhood care and education sector.
Our story
From a grassroots movement to an organisation for young children
Early Years began in 1965 as the Northern Ireland Pre-school Playgroups Association. What began as a grassroots movement has developed into an organisation working across early childhood care and education, programme delivery, community development, research, advocacy and peace-building. For over six decades we have worked alongside generations of children, parents, practitioners, volunteers and communities while sharing expertise locally and internationally. Today we remain rooted in Northern Ireland and focused on the same purpose: helping every child to thrive and reach their full potential.
Milestones
Six decades for young children
Mission, vision and values
Our mission is to make a positive and lasting difference in children’s lives.
Our vision is for a thriving and resilient society where all children flourish.
Our work is rooted in our core values: Equity, Innovation & Impact, Inclusion & Diversity, Joy, Collaboration, Nurture and Champion.
Our values
What we stand for
Our work is rooted in seven core values. They shape how we work with children, families, members and partners.
1. Equity
We believe every child, family and carer deserves the opportunity to thrive and we endeavour to get people the support they need to achieve their potential.
2. Innovation & Impact
We embrace innovation, continually learning, improving and finding new ways to make a positive difference.
3. Inclusion & Diversity
We celebrate inclusion and diversity, valuing every child, family and community and ensuring everyone feels welcomed, respected and heard.
4. Joy
We bring joy to our work, because childhood matters and positive play experiences can make a lasting difference.
5. Collaboration
We believe in collaboration - working together with children, families, carers, communities and partners to achieve more.
6. Nurture
We nurture relationships, confidence and potential, creating environments where children and the adults around them can flourish.
7. Champion
We champion children, families and carers - listening to their voices, celebrating their strengths and standing alongside them to help create brighter futures.
Our impact
Making a difference for children and communities
Our programmes and services reach children, families and early years settings across Northern Ireland. Early Years is a membership-based organisation, a registered charity, a company limited by guarantee and is governed by a Board of Directors.
Early Years provides information and training for parents, childcare providers, employers and local authorities.
13K+
children involved in Shared Education activity
12K+
children reached through Pathway Fund projects
136
children attending the Centre of Excellence in Fermanagh
Reports, strategies and corporate information
Annual reports, organisational strategies, governance documents and other corporate publications are available in our Publications & Resources library.
Our people
Early Years Senior Management Team
The team responsible for leading Early Years and delivering our strategy.
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Pauline Walmsley OBE
Chief Executive
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Audrey Rainey
Chief Operating Officer
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Mark Feeney
Business Consultant
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Niamh Murnaghan
Director of Finance
Awards & Accreditations
Our standards and accreditations
Branch network
Our branches
Early Years operates a voluntary branch network for our membership across Northern Ireland. Our branches allow settings and practitioners to meet, discuss issues, raise awareness and contribute to the sector. Our branches are:
Armagh & Dungannon
Belfast
Craigavon, Banbridge, Newry & Mourne
Lisburn and Down
Fermanagh & Omagh
Northern Branch
North Down & Ards
North West
Can't find your branch?
The Membership Team can help you find the right local contact. Email membership@early-years.org or call 028 9066 2825 - option 1.