Early Years - the organisation for young children

✨ New Term. New Priorities. Shared Goals.

What matters most in your local area? What are your priorities for the year ahead? What would you like your branch network to focus on?

At our upcoming Branch Meetings, members will work together to agree resolutions for the year ahead, helping to shape activities, discussions, training opportunities and support across the network.

Let's reflect on where we've been, celebrate what we've achieved, and look ahead to what we can accomplish together.

📅 Upcoming Branch Meetings

📍 Craigavon, Banbridge, Newry & Mourne
2 September
🔗 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1998361864130?aff=oddtdtcreator

📍 Armagh & Dungannon
8 September
🔗 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1998364566212?aff=oddtdtcreator

📍 Omagh & District
8 September
🔗 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1996085627846?aff=oddtdtcreator

📍 North Down & Ards
9 September
🔗 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1996085162454?aff=oddtdtcreator

📍 Foyle & Northwest
10 September
🔗 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1996085814404?aff=oddtdtcreator

📍 Northern
15 September
🔗 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1996085735167?aff=oddtdtcreator

💬 Your voice matters. Join your local branch meeting, connect with colleagues, share your ideas, and help shape the year ahead.

The Pathway Fund Stream C continues to make a difference in 2026, supporting hundreds of Registered Childminders and Approved Home Childcare (AHC) providers.

Funding has enabled childminders and AHC providers to invest in new toys, resources and equipment, creating exciting opportunities for children to learn, explore and enjoy hours of fun through play. 🧸🎨🚂

What a fantastic Day of Play! 🧩✨

We were delighted to welcome so many early years practitioners and stakeholders to explore creative play experiences, share ideas to enhance children’s learning, and engage in pedagogical conversations with practitioners from across the early years sector.

Thank you to everyone who joined us as we celebrated the launch of Early Years Membership 2026/27.

Join a community of early childhood carers and educators working together to improve experiences and outcomes for thousands of children across the island of Ireland and beyond: https://www.early-years.org/membership

⏰ The countdown is on... just 1 day to go!

Early Years Day of Play is almost here, and we're thrilled to welcome Creative Activity to the event.

🚗 One lucky attendee will also be in with a chance of winning a BERG Buzzy Go-Kart! Just visit the Creative Activity Group Ltd stand for more information.

Did you know? Early Years members benefit from 10% off all Creative Activity products, making it even easier to access quality resources and equipment.

Make sure you join us tomorrow for a day packed with play, discovery, and networking.

🔗 Register: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/day-of-play-launch-of-early-years-membership-202627-tickets-1991701495789?aff=oddtdtcreator

🔔 New Opportunity | Treasurer

Early Years is seeking a Treasurer to join our Board and help shape the future of our organisation.

Established in 1965, Early Years is the largest organisation in Northern Ireland working with and for young children. With 250 staff, eight branches and services supporting 430 settings across Northern Ireland, our mission is to lead and innovate to ensure high-quality shared early education and care services that support resilience for children, families and communities.

👉 Download the information pack: 🔗 https://engageexec.co.uk/early-years-treasurer/

📩 Apply with your CV by Noon, Monday 14 September 2026

This recruitment campaign is being managed exclusively by Engage Executive Talent on behalf of Early Years.

🌟 Connect. Share. Learn Together. 🌟

Early Years Branch Networks are a great way to build connections, share best practice, stay informed and have your voice heard across the sector.
Whether you're looking for professional learning opportunities, peer support or a chance to influence the future of early years services, your local branch is the place to be.

📍 Keep an eye on our social media channels for details of your local branch meeting date and how to get involved.

🎉 Just 2 Days to Go! 🎉

The countdown is on to our Early Years Day of Play on 19 August 2026 – and we're delighted to be launching our 2026/27 Membership Renewal at this inspiring event!

Join us for a day filled with interactive play set-ups, practical ideas, and creative inspiration designed to support children's learning and development through play.

🌈 Explore engaging play experiences
💡 Discover fresh ideas to take back to your setting
🤝 Connect with fellow early years professionals
🎓 Learn, share and be inspired
✅ Renew your membership for 2026/27

Whether you're looking for innovative play opportunities, professional connections, or new ways to enhance your practice, there's something for everyone.

📅 19 August 2026
🎈 The Junction, Dungannon
🔗 Register: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/day-of-play-launch-of-early-years-membership-202627-tickets-1991701495789?aff=oddtdtcreator

We can't wait to welcome you for a day of play and inspiration!

🎉🧩🌟

🎉 Membership Renewal 2026/27 Launches at Early Years Day of Play! 🎉

Join us on 19 August 2026 for our Early Years Day of Play, where we'll be celebrating the joy of play and officially launching our 2026/27 Membership Renewal.

Discover a range of interactive play set-ups designed to inspire fresh ideas and enhance learning experiences across your setting. This year's event will include opportunities to explore how loose parts play can spark curiosity, creativity, problem-solving and imagination, helping children become active, engaged learners.

🧩 Find inspiration for incorporating loose parts into everyday play
✨ Explore hands-on, interactive learning experiences
🌟 Gather practical ideas to enhance children's learning and development
🤝 Connect with fellow early years professionals
📚 Learn more about the benefits of renewing your membership for 2026/27

Whether you're looking for new ways to enrich your provision or simply want to be inspired by creative play opportunities, there's something for everyone.

📅 19 August 2026
🎈 The Junction, Dungannon
🔗 Register: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/day-of-play-launch-of-early-years-membership-202627-tickets-1991701495789?aff=oddtdtcreator

Come along to connect, explore, and be inspired by creative ideas you can bring back to your own setting.

What does high-quality play look like in practice? 🧩

Children learn best when experiences are meaningful, playful and connected to their interests.

At Day of Play, we'll be exploring seven key themes that support children's learning, development, wellbeing and inclusion.

1. Reggio-inspired practice
2. Eager and Able to Learn
3. Supporting children with SEND
4. Loose parts play
5. Outdoor practice
6. HighScope
7. Governance

Join early years practitioners to engage in pedagogical conversations, gain inspiration for your setting and be among the first to explore our 2026/27 membership offer.

📅 Wednesday 19 August 2026
📍 The Junction, Beechvalley Way, Dungannon
⏰ Drop in anytime between 11.00am and 4.00pm

Places are free, but registration is essential. Register now to secure your place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/day-of-play-launch-of-early-years-membership-202627-tickets-1991701495789

🎉 Membership Renewal 2026/27 Launches at Early Years Day of Play! 🎉

Join us on 19 August 2026 for our exciting Early Years Day of Play, where we'll be officially launching Membership Renewal for 2026/27.

This inspiring event will showcase a variety of interactive play set-ups, offering practical ideas and creative approaches to support children's learning and development through play.

🌳 Explore inspiring outdoor play ideas for children, discovering how outdoor environments can encourage curiosity, creativity, physical development, problem-solving and wellbeing. From nature-based play opportunities to engaging outdoor learning experiences, you'll find plenty of ideas to take back to your own setting.

✨ Discover hands-on play experiences
✨ Explore innovative outdoor learning opportunities
✨ Gather practical ideas to enhance children's development through play
✨ Connect and network with fellow early years professionals
✨ Find out more about the benefits of renewing your membership for 2026/27

Whether you're looking for fresh inspiration, creative outdoor play ideas, or opportunities to learn from others in the sector, this event is not to be missed.

📅 19 August 2026
🎈 The Junction, Dungannon
🔗 Register: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/day-of-play-launch-of-early-years-membership-202627-tickets-1991701495789?aff=oddtdtcreator

Come along to connect, explore, and be inspired by creative ideas you can bring back to your own setting.

🌿☀️🍃