University graduates make the shortlist for prestigious Early Childhood Studies Degree Network Awards

It will be a night of triumphs and trophies at University of Northampton (UON) later this month when the dedication of early years practitioners, graduates and students will be celebrated.

The prestigious Early Childhood Studies Degree Network (ECSDN) Awards event will take place at Waterside Campus on Friday 23 January.

The night will celebrate excellence in Early Childhood Studies across Higher Education and practice, honouring outstanding students, educators, researchers, and advocates who are shaping the future of the early years sector.

The event will take place at Waterside Campus on Friday, 23 January, and will be compèred by the renowned children’s author and poet Michael Rosen. Among the nominees are three UON Early Childhood Studies graduates:

• Graduate of the Year – Precious Rogers.
• Outstanding Early Childhood Practitioner of the Year – Christina Afromoah.
• Placement Provider of the Year – Anabela Da Silva.

University of Northampton academics have worked closely with the Early Childhood Studies Network over the years, supporting the development and promotion of several key milestones for the Network.

These include the creation of a framework of Early Years Graduate Competencies and ensuring early education and childcare practitioners are officially classified as associate professionals and moving them up the professional ladder.

One of those academics is Dr Tanya Richardson, Senior Lecturer in Education at the University, who is also the ECSDN’s Co-Chair. She says: “I’m always so proud of the commitment, hard work, and professionalism of our students and graduates.

“To see this reflected with nominations for national awards is the icing on the cake of their studies, but I wish all the nominees best wishes as we look forward to the evening.”

Find out more about early childhood-related courses at University of Northampton.