New organisation aims to bring early years trainers together

Founded by Laura Henry and Catriona Nason, NEYTCO - National Early Years Trainers and Consultants - brings together experts in the sector to offer mutual support for trainers and consultants and a one-stop-shop for early years settings, local authorities, schools and others.

NEYTCO has been set up as a community interest company to ensure that the focus remains ‘on the best interests of members and not on profits’.

The website includes a directory with details of early years trainers and consultants and members have access to a range of benefits including specialist advice and guidance.

The official launch took place at Portcullis House in Westminster and was hosted by Frank Field MP. Speakers included Neil Leitch, chief executive of the Pre-school Learning Alliance, Dr Jools Page from the University of Sheffield, and Swati Popat Vats from Podar Education Network, India.

Chief executive Laura Henry said, ‘As the founder of the first national community interest company for early years trainers and consultants, there has never been a more important time for the early years sector to come together to share and collaborate our shared vision and passion, which will have a positive vision on children’s outcomes.’

She added, ‘NEYTCO was inspired by the sector. Many colleagues had a voice on the initial name of the company and what would be needed. They willingly gave their time and energy to attend meetings, share their views and offer their support. We are grateful for your support and expertise, which has been invaluable.’

NEYTCO will also include regional and international groups to act as ambassadors and advocates in their own areas and feed members’ views back to the board, to update local members about NEYTCO’s activities, and to support and advise them.

The regional groups are England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and the international groups are in Dubai and India.

Catriona Nason added, 'I believe NEYTCO is the only organisation of its kind and set up with the view that trainers can support, collaborate and share their skills together.'

There are three different membership levels available - individual, organisation, or corporate - and benefits include:

• discounts to sector press, publications, printers and stationery companies;
• bespoke advice and guidance for members on topics such as website development, tenders and social media;
• a location for commissioning agents – for early years providers, local authorities, schools, colleges and other organisations to source trainers and consultants.

For more information visit www.neytco.co.uk