Partnering with Poppins Corporation: a 30-year collaboration in early years excellence
For more than thirty years, Norland has had the privilege of working alongside Poppins Corporation, one of Japan’s leading childcare organisations.
Together, we’ve built a partnership grounded in shared values – professionalism, warmth and a deep belief in the importance of high-quality early years education.
Over time, this collaboration has grown into a long-standing international relationship that continues to strengthen year after year.
The partnership
Every summer, Poppins brings a delegation of nursery employees to Bath to take part in the Norland Summer School – an entirely bespoke training programme designed exclusively for the Poppins employees.
Over the course of the week-long programme, Norland lecturers share the latest evidence-based research and best practice in early childhood development and care. The training combines classroom learning with practical, hands-on workshops that allow participants to experience the Norland approach in action.
For many of the Poppins team, the trip to Bath is a professional milestone – a chance to learn, reflect and connect with colleagues who share the same dedication to giving children the best possible start in life.
Knowledge exchange
In addition to the annual Norland Summer School, Norland lecturers also visit Japan . The team take part in a lecture tour, delivering talks on early years practice and research to hundreds of Poppins staff members.
These sessions are live-streamed across the country, allowing practitioners from every region of Japan to join in. The exchange of ideas – from Bath to Tokyo and beyond – is a cherished part of our shared calendar, helping to inspire and inform early years professionals on both sides of the partnership.
Shared values and lasting impact
At the heart of this collaboration is a mutual respect for the early years profession and a shared vision: that children everywhere deserve evidence-based care and education rooted in love, knowledge and kindness.
Over three decades, the relationship between Norland and Poppins has become more than a training programme – it’s a true partnership built on friendship, learning and trust. Together, we’ve helped nurture a community of practitioners who bring the best of both British and Japanese approaches to early years care and development.
Looking ahead
As we look to the future, Norland and Poppins are exploring new ways to continue learning from one another. Our collaboration is a reminder that when organisations share the same values and passion for children’s wellbeing, geography becomes no barrier.
Mandy Edmond, Vice Principal and Head of Enterprise and Strategic Partnerships, commented: “This partnership is one of the most enduring and rewarding relationships in Norland’s international work. The Poppins teams bring such enthusiasm, curiosity and kindness to everything they do — and it’s an honour to learn and grow alongside them each year.”
Maiko Todoroki, President and CEO, Poppins Corporation, added: “Our 30-year partnership with Norland is central to our pursuit of quality ‘EduCare.’ This exchange not only strengthens our expertise but reminds us of how human love and care for children transcend cultural differences. It fuels our commitment to nurturing the generation that will shape Japan’s future. We are deeply grateful for this relationship, built on friendship and trust, which we are honoured to carry forward.”
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