A specialised school for nannies is to become the world’s first university dedicated to early childhood after its plans were signed off by the regulator. 

Norland College will be known as Norland University of Early Childhood from 7 September after .

The 134-year-old institution, located in Bath, has had degree-awarding powers since 2019, which were made indefinite last year.

Its students benefit from strong post-graduation outcomes. In 2023-24, the average salary for a new graduate placed through the Norland Agency within the UK was just under £58,000, nearly double the average graduate starting salary of £30,030.

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Employers of Norland nannies have included members of the Royal Family – in recent years, the Prince and Princess of Wales engaged a graduate to care for their own children.

But the education provider, which admits roughly 100 students each year, has been aiming for university status in its bid to further advance research into children and childhood and extend its influence on policy relating to the field.

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It will be one of the smallest universities in the country.

It will continue to offer its BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education and Care degree alongside its skills-based Norland Diploma, furnishing learners with more than 1,200 hours of placements across schools, nurseries, hospitals, specialist settings and family homes.

In addition, it will expand into postgraduate teaching, with the introduction of an online MA programme this autumn, featuring specialisms ranging from sleep, food and nutrition, to leadership and policy-focused roles.

Janet Rose, principal of the institution, said: “Achieving university title is a landmark moment for Norland and for the field of early childhood education and care.

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“Becoming Norland University of Early Childhood strengthens our ability to advance research, connect knowledge and skills with practice, extend our influence on policy and professional standards, and help shape the future of early childhood for generations to come.”

georgia.luckhurst@timeshighereducation.com