Dr Sara Bonetti introduces the new Institute of Early Years Education
Speaking at the annual National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) conference, Dr Sara Bonetti announced exciting further details about the new Institute of Early Years Education, which will support the early years workforce across the UK.
Sara gave a presentation about the Institute at the conference today in Coventry, attended by hundreds of nursery owners, managers and practitioners from across the country. She explained more about the Institute’s vision and purpose in supporting the workforce, which has been developed by NDNA following extensive research with those working in the sector.
As part of today’s announcement, the Institute also officially launched its new social media channels on Facebook and Instagram.
Purnima Tanuku OBE, Chief Executive of National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA), said:“We are delighted to share the next phase of the Institute’s development which is an exciting prospect for the sector. Sara and everyone at NDNA and the Institute are passionate about raising the status of all those who educate and support our youngest children.
“Lots of people have already signed up for information since we introduced the Institute last year. From today, anyone interested can follow our dedicated social media accounts to get regular updates in the run-up to the full launch in August. This launch will be the culmination of many years of research and investment in responding to something the sector has desperately wanted.
“It’s very satisfying to know that soon the early education and care workforce will have this kind of support and recognition.”
Sara said: “It’s incredibly exciting to be leading the direction of the Institute which is a one-stop shop for everyone working in the sector, creating a sense of community. It will have clear signposting to sector resources, support for career development and an amazing offer for health and wellbeing which is so badly needed.
“The challenges of the sector were clear from our research at NDNA so we knew it was time to take action. We have listened to what practitioners have told us they needed and wanted. We want to create an Institute which gives a sense of belonging. Our vision aims to give them a place where they can engage with people who work in the sector. We are looking forward to seeing how it will evolve.”
Sara joined the Institute having previously worked as Director of Early Years at the Education Policy Institute where her work also focused on the workforce. Her research there was widely cited and used by politicians and civil servants.
The Institute will make it easy to access high quality, relevant and up to date resources in one place. Anyone with an interest in early education and care can join the Institute for their personal and professional development.
A video has been produced to support the launch of the Institute, which will take place in August 2024. In it, an early education and care practitioner discusses her challenges and what support might help.
Research carried out by NDNA confirmed that people working in early education and care find it difficult to gain CPD and also to collate this in a meaningful way. Having sufficient time is often an issue, so the Institute will include practical CPD, which can be completed in bite-sized chunks.
Those working within the early years sector also reported finding it tough to connect with peers across all areas of the sector. The Institute will encompass a wider community of professionals who understand and can support one another with challenges and opportunities presented on a daily basis.
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