Norland and Seitoku University sign Memorandum of Understanding
8 December 2025
Norland and Seitoku University, a prestigious Japanese women’s university, have today signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding to formalise and expand their longstanding partnership.
This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marks a significant milestone in a relationship that spans over three decades. Since the early 1990s, Norland has welcomed students from Seitoku University as part of a cultural exchange programme, providing them with a unique opportunity to engage in Norland’s world-renowned early years education and training through interactive sessions with students and Norland lecturers.
This new agreement sets the stage for a deeper collaboration between the two institutions, with plans to explore a collaboration across exchanges of students, faculty and academic materials as well as joint endeavours in research. The MoU also reflects a shared commitment between Norland and Seitoku University for excellence in early childhood education and a mutual desire to foster an international educational exchange.
The signing ceremony took place in Chiba, Japan as part of a dedicated symposium to celebrate the historic MoU – Seitoku University’s first international partnership of this kind – alongside the 60th anniversary of its junior college on 9 December. Representatives from both organisations attended the event, including Norland Vice Principals Mandy Edmond and Dr Rebecca Digby and Dean of the Faculty of Education Dr. Sumi Kurosawa from Seitoku University. Dr Rebecca Digby gave a keynote speech on learning from early childhood settings around the world.
Mandy Edmond, Vice Principal and Head of Enterprise and Strategic Partnerships at Norland said: “We are delighted to sign this MoU with Seitoku University. It reflects and strengthens our long-standing partnership and the deep commitment of both institutions to raise the status and value of early childhood education and care. We are excited to explore further opportunities for collaboration, beginning with our visit to the university in December to speak at a symposium.”
Sumi Kurosawa, Dean of the Faculty of Education, Seitoku University said: “By signing this MoU, we believe we can further highlight the importance of early childhood education, both domestically and internationally. Through the upcoming symposium, we aim to raise awareness not only among early childhood education students but also among current educators, making it a meaningful and impactful opportunity for all participants.”
The signing of this MoU reaffirms and deepens the longstanding partnership between Norland and Seitoku University, underscoring both institutions’ dedication to advancing academic collaboration and fostering ongoing educational exchange for years to come.
Find out more about Norland's consultancy and training
