Introduction

Early Years – The Organisation for Young Children is the largest voluntary organization working with and for all young children in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. This renowned organization is a non-profit making, member-based, organization and during 2016 celebrated 50 years of working to promote and develop high quality, evidence-informed, cross community early childhood services for young children, their families and communities.

In the Early Year’s policy manifesto, “Making a Difference for Young Children”, key issues regarding early childhood education and care are listed, which includes:

“In recognition of the long-term and intergenerational impact of conflict on communities in this region, express incorporation into such policy initiatives and legislative and non-legislative work of the essential role of Early Childhood Development towards peace building and a shared, inclusive and united future.”

Following, is Early Years’ final report of the Ministerial Advisory Group on Advancing Shared Education and its associated Shared Education Act (Northern Ireland), enacted 9th May 2016.

Contributor: Siobhán Fitzpatrick, CBE, MBA, MSSC, CQSW, BSc., serves as Executive Committee Member to the Early Childhood Peace Consortium (ECPC). She is Chief Executive Officer of Early Years – the organization for young children in Northern Ireland.