Founded in 1892, Norland is world-famous for providing the very best early years training and education
Meet the team
Grounded in history, focused on the future
Founded in 1892 by educational pioneer Emily Ward, Norland was the first educational establishment to offer any kind of childcare training. Emily Ward recognised the need for early years childcare to be more structured, centred around the child, loving and nurturing. Prior to the introduction of formal training at Norland, children would be cared for by ‘untutored’ housemaids before going to school. Training at Norland was based on the founding principles of Fröbel, the German educationalist best known as the originator of the ‘kindergarten system’, and adapted to be more relevant to the needs of young children and their families.
Emily Ward opened Norland on 25 September 1892. Her recently discovered notebook contains over 120 pages of first-hand accounts of the founding days of the Norland Institute, as it was first known, from 14 May 1892 through to 6 November 1919. The handwritten pages contain personal insights into her life during the period and, along with newspaper cuttings, invitations and documents carefully secured onto the pages by Emily, give a unique insight into the time. Emily Ward’s legacy is immortalised through the Emily Ward Bursary, which provides students with the opportunity to obtain a grant towards the cost of their tuition fees.
Along with its location, the curriculum at Norland has changed and progressed with the times to offer the most up-to-date academic childcare training courses and the highest practice standards in line with the latest research. Norland’s worldwide reputation as being at the forefront of early years education and training continues. It now offers an intensive academic degree and skills-based diploma programme, combining cutting edge research and knowledge with practical training. It is our students, past and present, who have been instrumental in establishing Norland’s position as the leader in early years education. Every Norlander carries the responsibility of maintaining our reputation to the highest of standards.
Throughout its constant development Norland’s values have remained the same, with children being at the centre of all decisions and the Norland mottoes ‘Love Never Faileth’ and ‘Fortis In Arduis’ (Strength in Adversity) being central to its values.
Discover how we celebrated our 130th anniversary
Some key dates from our history
View our history1892
Norland Institute is founded by Emily Ward at Norland Place, London as the first childcare training provider
1895
The iconic uniform is supplied by Debenhams and Freebody in Kensington, London
1940s
The uniform changes for new trainees during WWII; capes are replaced with coats to reduce the use of silk to support parachute production
2003
Norland moves to York Villa, a building originally owned by the Duke of York (son of King George III), in Bath
2008
Norland continues to pioneer the professionalisation of childcare with the introduction of a BA (Hons) degree
2019
Norland is granted Taught Degree Awarding Powers by the Privy Council, our first step towards university status
The iconic uniform symbolises the professional status of a Norland Nanny
Emily Ward quickly recognised that Norland Nurses (as Norland graduates were originally known) needed to be recognised as professionals (and not mistaken for housemaids) so she introduced the uniform. Norland Nurses would not only wear the uniform when training but also once qualified in the workplace – they were recognisable wherever they went.
The uniform is still a strong part of Norland’s tradition. In the same way that a professional nurse is expected to wear a uniform, Norland students are expected to wear their uniform with pride and adhere to strict uniform guidelines. Norland graduates are no longer expected to wear their uniform when working in a family unless the family specifically wants them to. In 2013, and for the first time in 70 years, a new uniform was unveiled. Designed locally and produced by British manufacturers, the uniform was updated whilst still reflecting Norland’s distinguished heritage. In 2021, the uniform was updated to offer a gender-neutral option.
We’re incredibly proud of our pioneering history
We are a pioneering, evolving, and inclusive community of professionals who are united in fostering an exceptional, rewarding and respectful learning environment and workplace. Our heritage and values are consistently embedded in our practices and define our actions.Norland culture statement
Our mission and vision
Our mission
Norland’s mission is to provide exceptional, bespoke and research-informed early years higher education, practical training and consultancy, and cultivate outstanding graduates with lifelong career opportunities, professional support and continuous learning for all.
Our vision
- Norland will provide the highest quality of educational provision, supporting a diverse range of students to become nurturing, knowledgeable, skilled and resilient early years
practitioners with excellent graduate outcomes working in partnership with children, families and communities to inspire the next generation. - Norland Agency will increase access to lifelong career opportunities and specialist services for Norlanders and families, support Norlanders to engage in enhanced continuing professional development and actively promote the status and value of the nanny profession.
- Norland will build an inclusive, progressive and charitable community, upholding its reputation as a unique and specialist Higher Education provider of highly qualified nannies and early years practitioners.
- Norland will work with staff to nurture and develop the professionalism, wellbeing and expertise of all staff, driving cohesive and progressive change, building leadership capability, diversity and ensuring professional respect.
- Norland will be a leading provider in the early years sector by generating research and premier training and consultancy in childcare provision and in related services, both
nationally and internationally. - Norland will be progressive in developing and implementing more ecological, ethical and socially responsible practices in order to contribute to sustainable futures for all.
Our values underpin everything we do
- Promote wellbeing, providing nurturing and positive environments for all
- Operate flexibly, cooperatively and value the contributions of others
- Role model compassionate and empathetic relationships, treating others with kindness and respect
- Act with personal and professional discretion and integrity
- Proactively embrace and pursue equity and inclusive practice
- Foster a culture of dignity and aspiration for all
- Promote diversity and challenge discriminatory attitudes and behaviours
- Reflect and encourage diverse and ethical practice
- Consistently deliver excellence to the highest of standards
- Display dedication, conscientiousness, and prudence in all that we do
- Have high expectations of and demonstrate professionalism in self and others
- Uphold Norland’s heritage and reputation, and commit to being a Norland Brand Ambassador
- Pioneer new ways of thinking and promote innovative change whilst upholding Norland’s heritage
- Ensure provision reflects continuous improvement and leading research
- Generate a more ecological Norland community to create a more sustainable world
- Demonstrate initiative and contribute to a culture of courage and creativity
Heritage Day 2022
In June 2022, we celebrated our Set 43 students’ diploma work and our 130 years of heritage. Watch what Heritage Day meant to them and how they felt at the end of their degree training as they prepared to embark on their Newly Qualified Nanny year.
