September 2026 - Issue 14
Issue 14 - September 2026
Introduction
Welcome from co-chairs
Welcome to the first newsletter for the new academic year. We hope that you had a wonderful summer and are feeling suitable recharged for the year ahead. We are aware that the academic year in front of us is likely to be challenging and this is where the network can be of great support and is something positive in an ever increasingly complex landscape. We have various events planned for this year; events to celebrate and share what wonderful work we all do and it is these events that we can use as beacons of light within the demanding world of Higher Education. Keep an eye out on these newsletters for more information as the year unfolds – this newsletter tells you more about the ECSDN awards evening and this is definitely a date to get in your diaries now!
Please continue to use admin@ecsdn.org as a way of keeping in touch with us; share your news, ask any questions you may have….as a network we are here to support and encourage each other and we look forward to seeing all that can be achieved throughout 2026-27.
Tanya and Aaron
Invoices for the new academic year
Over the next few weeks, we will begin to send out the invoices for the membership fees for the new academic year. Due to circumstances beyond our control, we do not have access currently to our database of your finance departments. We will therefore be sending the invoices to you, our members, and ask that you please forward them on to your finance teams for processing. Apologies in advance for the extra layer in this process.
Tanya Richardson – Membership secretary
ECSDN Awards - 2027
"Nominations Are Now Open for the ECSDN Awards 2027!
The countdown to celebrating the very best in the early childhood sector has officially begun. The Early Childhood Studies Degrees Network (ECSDN) is thrilled to announce that nominations for the ECSDN Awards 2027 are open now!
This is your nationwide call to help shine a light on the trailblazers, innovators, and dedicated professionals who are shaping the future of early childhood education and care. We are looking for those who embody excellence, impact, and inspiration across our community—whether that's an exceptional student, a visionary researcher, an inspiring mentor, or a transformative placement provider.
Why Get Involved?
The early years workforce is the beating heart of our educational ecosystem. These awards elevate the incredible achievements of individuals and organizations who go above and beyond to drive high-quality practice and profound positive change.
Explore the Categories: Check out our diverse range of honors to find the perfect fit for your nominee's achievements by visiting the ECSDN Categories Page.
Submit Your Entry: Ready to make a nomination? Head straight over to the ECSDN Nominations Portal to complete your submission and review the criteria booklet. You can nominate a colleague, a peer, a recent graduate, or even yourself!
Learn More: Discover everything you need to know about the upcoming celebration at the ECSDN Awards 2027 Hub.
Stay Tuned...
The excitement doesn't stop there. Mark your calendars and keep your eyes peeled—we will be announcing a special Master of Ceremonies for the 2027 ceremony next week!
Don't wait to give extraordinary work the recognition it deserves. Submit your nominations today and help us make the 2027 awards an unforgettable celebration of our sector!"
Have Your Say: DfE Consultation on the Future of Early Years Teaching
The Department for Education is currently seeking views on its consultation, Shaping the Future of Early Years Teaching, which explores proposals to reform how early years teachers are trained and supported in the future. The consultation aims to raise the quality of training, strengthen the professional status of early years teachers and ensure children benefit from excellent teaching across early education settings.
At our recent ECSDN discussions, members highlighted the importance of recognising Early Childhood Studies graduates alongside early years teachers as part of a diverse and interconnected career climbing frame across the sector. There was strong agreement that Early Childhood Studies degrees hold value in their own right and that graduates make a distinctive and vital contribution to the early childhood workforce.
As a network, we remain committed to championing the breadth of graduate professions within early childhood. An article by Samantha Hoyes and Verity Campbell-Barr will be published shortly in the Early Years Educator, exploring the consultation, the revised Graduate Practitioner Competencies (GPCs), and the crucial role ECS graduates play within the wider early childhood landscape. In addition, Verity Campbell-Barr is continuing discussions with education departments across all four UK nations to advocate for the value of early years qualifications and graduate pathways.
We encourage all ECSDN members to respond to the consultation if they are able. The more voices we have contributing to this conversation, the stronger our collective ability to influence the future direction of the sector.
🗓Closing date: 24 September 2026
🔗 Respond to the consultation: Shaping the Future of Early Years Teaching Consultation
Your voice matters. Please take the opportunity to ensure that the contribution of Early Childhood Studies graduates is heard.
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