First membership body supporting early education and care professionals
The Institute of Early Years Education has been launched today (Wednesday 7th August). It is the first UK-wide professional membership body for all individuals working, or aspiring to work, in the early education and care sector.
Powered by National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA), the Institute supports the personal and professional development of early education and care professionals. The membership offer includes access to evidence-based resources, career direction and continuing professional development (CPD) tracking, a forum for networking and a comprehensive healthy lifestyle package.
The Institute aims to improve the status and wellbeing of those working within the sector while offering individuals a sense of connection to a professional network and supportive community.
Purnima Tanuku OBE, Chief Executive of NDNA, said: “As the voice of the early years sector, NDNA is proud to be launching the Institute of Early Years Education, the first professional membership body that recognises and supports all professionals working in early education and care.
“The Institute of Early Years Education will raise the status and recognition that early education and care professionals deserve in-line with educational professionals. They are amazingly knowledgeable, skilled and talented and have a huge impact on our youngest children at a time when they are learning at a faster rate than any other time in their lives. The difference they make to children’s lives lasts a lifetime.
“When we were developing the membership package for the Institute we spoke to staff at all levels and one of the priorities that came through loud and clear was the need for practical support for the wellbeing of the workforce.
“We know that working with young children is hugely rewarding but can be demanding and put a strain on individuals’ health and wellbeing. The membership package is a very exciting offer and will be a key benefit from day one for all professionals joining the Institute.”
The Institute of Early Years Education is an accessible digital offer and the platform is now live on its website. Easy to navigate with clear signposts around the wealth of learning opportunities and access to a multitude of wellbeing benefits, it provides a one stop shop of resources.
Continuous learning and improving professional practice are at the heart of the Institute. A vast array of evidence-based research and time saving resources are available to early education and care professionals across the whole of the sector.
Content is created in accessible bitesize formats and suggested activities that can be used in settings, while signposting members to more in-depth training and resources to support individuals’ personal and professional development. Information is available to members via learning workouts, articles, blogs and infographics. In addition, members can sign up to news, events and snapshot updates to keep them informed about the sector.
Members can manage their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) with access to a professional recognition programme using a dedicated ePortfolio. Here members can track time spent developing skills, review opportunities for reflection and growth, and download a personalised CPD report.
Dr Sara Bonetti Interim Director of the Institute of Early Years Education said: “The Institute of Early Years Education will be a recognised and valued professional body for early education and care professionals; a nationally recognised institute promoting professionalism, wellbeing and inclusion within the early education and care community.
“Our extensive research and development of the Institute involved speaking with individuals working in the sector. Practitioners told us what they needed and wanted, and we listened.
“The Institute is about offering a solution that’s for everyone, building a sense of community and nurturing wellbeing. Through our forum, we will keep listening to what our members want and the skills they need to develop. We will respond by continuing to create the relevant tools and content to support them.”
The Institute website has a dedicated careers section supporting members to be their best self through all stages of their early education and care journey. Self-assessment toolkits and resources help members create a personalised career action plan, including improving in their current role and giving advice on CV writing and interview technique.
The inclusion of a forum provides members with a hub that provides a sense of belonging to a wider community of professionals. It’s here that members can engage and connect with their community, share experiences and best practice and be a source of inspiration to each other.
The healthy lifestyle offer to members includes a digital wellbeing platform provided in partnership with Spectrum.Life. It directs individuals to hours of content focusing on self-care, boosting energy and reducing stress levels.
Members can access digital fitness programmes, self-guided meditation, nutrition guides and recipes and wellbeing podcasts as well as easy access to GP services on a 24/7 basis. Membership also includes access to a digital gym, rewards and discounts.
Three membership options are available. Prices start at £5 a month, increasing to £7.50 and £10 a month depending on an individual’s role and area of expertise. All price options have a 2-month free offer if membership is paid annually.
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