Norland and CREC sign Memorandum of Understanding
9 January 2026
Norland and the Centre for Research in Early Childhood (CREC), a leading international research organisation in early childhood education, have today signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding to formalise their partnership.
This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marks a significant milestone in formalising the partnership and strengthening collaboration between the two organisations focused on early childhood research, knowledge exchange, training and academic development.
The agreement also reflects a shared commitment between Norland and CREC to excellence and advancement in the early years. It sets out a framework for cooperation in research and innovation, academic and professional development, training and consultancy, and resource sharing.
Dr Janet Rose, Principal of Norland, said: “This partnership with CREC represents an exciting opportunity to amplify the reach and impact of Norland’s research and expertise. By working together, we can drive innovation and share best practice to benefit the early years sector globally.”
Mandy Edmond, Vice Principal and Head of Enterprise and Strategic Partnerships at Norland said: “We are delighted to sign this MoU with CREC. Working alongside such an impactful international organisation will broaden the impact of Norland’s research and professional development programmes – supporting practitioners across the early years sector to deliver the highest quality experiences.”
Prof Chris Pascal, Director of CREC, said: “We are excited about the many possibilities this partnership with Norland might open up particularly with regard to developing the profile and research knowledge about the important role of home-based early years provision.”
Dr Helen Lyndon, Director of CREC, said: “Norland have an international reputation for excellence in early childhood training and a deep commitment to access and social benefit which has impressed us – we look forward to broadening and deepening our research work in collaboration with them over the next few years”
The signing of this MoU reaffirms Norland’s dedication to advancing academic collaboration and fostering ongoing development of the early years sector for years to come.
About CREC
Centre for Research in Early Childhood (CREC) is a nationally and internationally recognised early years research and development organisation, which specialises in qualitative and participatory methods that aim to gather multi-perspectives on early childhood policy and practice CREC has been working to improve Early Years practice policy and outcomes for over 25 years through a combination of research, programme evaluation, consultancy work, postgraduate degrees and training– much of its work is co -constructed through developing long term learning partnerships. CREC has a track record of undertaking large- and small-scale projects at local, national and international levels and have engaged in learning partnerships to develop early years policy and strategy for local and national governments as well as national charities and NGOs. In all its work it aims to empower the early years sector to secure sustainable improvements whilst always valuing the voices of children.
For further information about CREC visit their website
