NCMA changes name to PACEY and now represents nursery staff as well as childminders

The NCMA, which used to represent childminders, has become the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY).

Penny Tassoni, president of PACEY. Credit Roddy Paine, Pearson Education

In re-branding itself and broadening its membership, the association hopes to unite all early years professionals providing frontline care and early learning to children and families.

PACEY’s joint chief executives, Catherine Farrell and Liz Bayram, said: “PACEY is being launched at a critical time for childcare when multiple changes are being considered in the sector, from new entry and qualification requirements to childminder agencies and ratio changes.

“For the first time PACEY will enable one voice to represent all childcare professionals. Working with our members, we will focus on setting standards, promoting best practice and supporting our members to deliver high standards of care and learning.”

Outgoing president, Dame Gillian Pugh, said: “I am delighted to send my very best wishes to PACEY on its launch as the new professional association for childminders, nannies and nursery workers. Those who work on a daily basis directly with children share a dedication to providing high quality care and education for these children and support for their families.”

Following the end of Gillian Pugh’s tenure as the association’s president, Penny Tassoni is taking her place.

Ms Tassoni, a well-known author and trainer, said: “The early years sector is wonderfully diverse, but yet I see it as a united community as it always puts children and their families first. It is therefore an honour to become the first president of PACEY - an organisation designed to support members who work in a variety of roles within this early years community.”