The NEYN's chair, Julie McLarnon, said last week that the NCB had 'agreed to purchase some of our training, publications and membership'. It has also taken over the NEYN's name and will support NEYN members through its Early Childhood Unit, while Early Education has agreed to take over the NEYN's reference library and archives.
In a letter sent to members last week, Ms McLarnon thanked them for their support and said that the charity had been forced into voluntary liquidation for three main reasons - it was unable to generate sufficient income to cover core costs; several funding streams had ended at the same time; and it had insufficient funds to cover 'the unprecedented costs of dilapidations incurred through the long-standing full repairing lease' of the building in London where its offices were housed.
She added that all eight members of staff had been made redundant and that the Network's Board of Trustees had 'worked hard with the insolvency practitioner to ensure that even though the company was being placed into liquidation, the hard work completed by the staff and trustees would not be lost'.
Sue Owen, director of the NCB's Early Childhood Unit, said, 'We are very sad that such a greatly valued organisation has had to close like this, but hope very much to be able to continue at least some of their good work through the Early Childhood Unit.'
The NEYN's closure came at the start of what would have been its 25th anniversary year.
Network members who have specific queries can leave a message with the NCB on 020 7843 9700.