A few years ago, just before the first Covid-19 lockdown, I was fortunate to be part of a small intergenerational project between a nursery school and a residential care home. Intergenerational practice is the bringing together of children and older people to create positive relationships and meaningful connections. Each week a small group of 3 year olds and nursery school staff would visit their ‘older friends’ at the care home. The visits usually lasted for 30 minutes and l

Newsletter Issue 12 - May 2026 Introduction Introduction Its been a busy time for all of us and this latest newsletter is packed full of information. Thankyou to those of you who came to the Members Meeting on Friday 22nd May and for entering into the discussions so frankly and openly. The minutes are below and a copy is attached to the email for you to download and digest at your own pace. Following amazing feedback the second ECSDN awards ceremony is to be held on Friday29t

Newsletter Issue 11 - May 2026 Introduction Introduction As we move further into the year, the work of the Early Childhood Studies Degrees Network continues to be shaped by collaboration, critical dialogue, and a shared commitment to strengthening our field. This short newsletter brings together a number of current opportunities to engage with the wider early childhood community, whether through contributing to emerging research, connecting at conference, or reflecting on the

Newsletter Issue 10 - April 2026 Introduction Introduction Introduction Welcome to this issue of the newsletter – the first of the Spring term, after the Easter break. We hope that you managed to get some time for rest and relaxation and are feeling suitably refreshed. Just before the break we were very fortunate to hold our in-person AGM, which was hosted at UCB (huge thanks must go to Emma Davis and the team for looking after us!). The AGM is a fabulous opportunity to come

Introduction “Completing the competencies has allowed me to reflect on my values as a practitioner and think about how this will influence my future practice.” Kaitlin Toland – ECGPC Graduate 2023 - Inspiring and aspiring the future early years workforce involves having a unique set of characteristics and dispositions which incorporates promoting best practice. Through shared principles and values, we are able to celebrate and acknowledge the valuable role of the student and

Newsletter Issue 8 - March 2026 Introduction Introduction Introduction Welcome to this week’s ECSDN newsletter. The Early Childhood Studies Degrees Network exists to champion the value of early childhood studies as a discipline, to support those teaching and researching within our universities, and to ensure that the voices of our students, graduates and academics continue to shape the future of the sector. Through collaboration, research and dialogue we strengthen the role o

In September 2024 the RSA (Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) announce the start of its landmark Playful Green Planet programme which is guided by the principles: For all children: accessible to every single child under 11 and to the early years, community and school settings that support them. Co-creation in place: led by local people and co-created with the strengths and needs of the community, educators and children at the heart.

Newsletter Issue 7 - February 2026 Introduction Introduction Introduction Well – we have so much to report on. What a busy time we have been having! As you will probably be aware 2026 kicked off with a fabulous ECSDN awards ceremony – the first time we have held such an event and what a success it was! We could not have wished for a better event to celebrate our wonderful graduates. More details of the evening can be found in the body of the newsletter below. Also we have hel

Newsletter Issue 5 - November 2025 Introduction Introduction Introduction The Research and Knowledge Exchange Strategy Group is pleased to invite you to attend our online conference. As previously announced in the last newsletter, we are now welcoming abstract submissions for our upcoming virtual event, taking place on 30 January 2026 . This conference brings together researchers, practitioners, and students to share their experiences as graduates, along with practice-based i

Newsletter Issue 4 - October 2025 Introduction Celebrating Progress, Passion & Purpose in 21st Century Sustainability 🌱 A Year of Growth and Impact As the leaves turn and the air cools, the Sustainability Strategy Group is embracing new challenges and exciting opportunities. Angela and Kerrie are celebrating their first year as co-chairs, and it’s been a year filled with collaboration, creativity, and commitment to exploring what sustainability means in the 21st century. Our

Newsletter Issue 1 - September 2025 Introduction Welcome to this issue of the newsletter. As always there is much going on behind the scenes from the executive team – all in their own time which they give tirelessly in order to benefit the ECSDN and its members. HUGE thanks must go to them all as the ECSDN would not operate as it does without them. The ECSDN awards are still in the process of being organised and look to be a fantastic night and celebration of all things ECS –

Newsletter Issue 1 - September 2025 Dear Members, A warm welcome to the start of a new academic year. There are some exciting...

Newsletter Issue 18 - June 2025 Welcome to this week’s newsletter. You will see, once again, that significant work has been going on...

Newsletter Issue 17 - June 2025 Dear all, Thank you to those who came along to the Professionalisation and Workforce (PAWs) drop at the...

Student’s perspectives on the value of the Early Childhood degree The Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector is essential for...

Newsletter Issue 15 - May 2025 Dear all, We have been excited this week to begin focus group interviews for our ongoing advocacy...

Newsletter Issue 15 - May 2025 Welcome to this edition of the newsletter – we hope that everyone had a nice Easter break. This newsletter...

Newsletter Issue 14 - April 2025 We're very happy to share the news that Jo Josephidou (Open University) has recently joined Eva as...

Newsletter Issue 13 - February 2025 Welcome to this issue of the newsletter – that which follows a very successful AGM which was held at...

Today the DfE has published the training provider guidance for the new Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeships (EYTDA), marking a...