Mandy Edmond discusses the links between the Norland diploma and the NNEB

On 17 November, Vice Principal and Head of Enterprise and Strategic Partnerships Mandy Edmond spoke at the Coram Hempsall event on the legacy and future of the National Nursery Examination Board (NNEB).

Coram Hempsall’s webinar, ‘NNEB. What did we learn and how is the early years still benefitting today?’, marked 80 years of the National Nursery Examination Board diploma and celebrated its enduring influence on early years education. The sector-wide event brought together representatives from early years settings and local authorities to reflect on the impact of the NNEB and explore the future of the early years workforce.

The NNEB was created 53 years after Norland created the world’s first formal training for childcare. It formalised and standardised childcare qualifications in the UK, establishing a revolutionary and widely available ‘gold standard’ for childcare diplomas. Norland shares a deep-rooted history with the NNEB, having been part of its first implementation in 1945. It is widely believed that much of the original NNEB curriculum was derived from the Norland diploma of that time.

Representing Norland, Mandy joined a distinguished panel alongside James Hempsall OBE, Managing Director of Coram Hempsall’s, and Jan Dubiel, Programme Director for hey!, Coram Hempsall’s consultancy and policy development arm.

In her presentation, Mandy explored how Norland’s current early childhood degree and integrated skills-based Norland diploma programme continue to reflect the holistic framework and comprehensive training that epitomised the NNEB. She highlighted Norland’s commitment to blending tradition with innovation, ensuring graduates are equipped as early years practitioners with the ‘golden triangle’ of academic knowledge informed by cutting-edge research, practical skills, and hands-on experience through an extensive placement programme.

The webinar served as a powerful platform to emphasise the NNEB’s lasting legacy and influence on shaping standards in early years education, as well as the importance of re-establishing pride and respect in the early years sector as a whole. Mandy’s contribution reinforces Norland’s continued role as a pioneer in the sector, dedicated to maintaining excellence while adapting to the evolving needs of children and families.