In a statement Julie McLarnon, the Network's chair, said, 'It is with great sadness that the National Early Years Network has had to cease operations due to a set of exceptional circumstances and insufficient core funding.
Since the beginning of the year the trustees have been actively working towards placing the assets of the Network with other like-minded organisations in order that the valuable work undertaken on behalf of young children, their families and carers over the last 25 years will not be lost to the sector.'
The Network, which was due to celebrate its 25th anniversary this year, closed earlier this month in the face of mounting debts and problems relating to the renegotiation of the lease on its premises. The audited accounts for the last financial year showed a growing deficit, and the costs to the organisation were set to spiral because its premises needed repairs.
While it was able to access funds for projects, as an organisation determined to safeguard its independence the Network found it hard to generate core funding.
Jenny Rabin of Early Education said that it was sad to see what she termed 'a sister voluntary organisation' close after it had 'served its early years workers so well'. She added that its newsletter, Co-ordinate, had been particularly important for its many members in the private and voluntary sectors and had recently won an award.
Ms Rabin said, 'It just shows that all voluntary organisations are vulnerable. It goes with the territory, because no-one wants to pick up the core costs.'
The Network's aim since it was founded by Lady Plowden in 1978 was to raise the profile of key issues affecting children up to the age of eight and their families. As an umbrella agency, with a membership of organisations and individuals, it gave practical support to early years professionals in the maintained, voluntary and private sectors through its range of publications, practice-related seminars and events, and a national training programme.