Professionalising the Early Childhood Workforce in Northern Ireland: Major Report

Stranmillis University College hosted a special event on Wednesday 11 March 2025,  launching the Northern Ireland findings of a major UK-wide research report, It IS Rocket Science: Professionalising the Early Childhood Workforce, to policymakers, practitioners and researchers. 

Funded by the Nuffield Foundation, the landmark four-nation study examined the status, structure and challenges facing the early childhood workforce across the UK. 

The event began with a light lunch in Craigantlet in the Refectory Building before the main programme took place in the Slemish Room. Following a welcome by Prof. Heggarty, Principal of Stranmillis University College, gifts were presented to Jude McQuaid and Logan McCusker, two nursery-aged boys whose rocket drawings were selected to illustrate the study’s final report, “It’s Rocket-Science.” and the presentations shared during the event. The boys’ teacher, Mrs McKeagney, was also recognised for her support and guidance along the way.  

The attendees then heard from the Chief Executive of Early Education, Beatrice Merrick, followed by Prof. Verity Campbell-Barr, Principal Investigator of the study, who introduced the wider project and outlined its key findings. 

Dr Glenda Walsh, Head of Doctoral Studies and Early Years Education at Stranmillis University College, then presented the Northern Ireland findings. Drawing on interviews and focus groups with stakeholders across the sector, Dr Walsh’s presentation highlighted both the strengths of the Northern Ireland early childhood workforce and the structural challenges facing the sector. 

The event concluded with a panel discussion featuring leading experts: Tina Dempster (Department of Education), Pauline Walmsley (Early Years), Sheelagh Carville and Suzanne McCartney (Stranmillis University College), and Aileen Colgan (Southern Regional College), exploring the findings’ implications and next steps for strengthening the early childhood workforce in Northern Ireland.  

With the draft Early Learning and Childcare Strategy currently under consideration in Northern Ireland, speakers noted that the study provides an important evidence base to inform future policy and support the development of a stronger, more sustainable early years workforce.  

The proceedings were formally closed by Professor Noel Purdy, Director of Research and Scholarship at Stranmillis University College. 

To find out more about the research, click here.