Expert support to strengthen practice, build confidence and improve outcomes for children
The Early Years Stronger Practice Advisers (EYSPA) programme offers fully funded, tailored support to early years settings from experienced professionals across the sector.
Whether you are looking to strengthen leadership, address specific challenges in your setting or support children with additional needs, your dedicated Early Years Stronger Practice Adviser will work alongside you to help identify priorities, develop solutions and embed lasting improvements.
The programme is part of the governments ambition to improve outcomes for children and increase the proportion of children achieving a Good Level of Development by 2028.
What makes this support different?
Each of the 36 Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs has a dedicated team of advisers who provide tailored, practical support based on your needs and circumstances.
Unlike one off training sessions, advisers work directly with settings to help leaders turn knowledge into action through:
- Tailored coaching and professional support
- Observation and reflection on day-to-day practice
- Evidence-informed advice and guidance
- Practical action planning
- Ongoing professional dialogue focused on sustainable improvement
Group based support is delivered face-to-face, in your setting, making it accessible and flexible for leaders.
For childminders, support is delivered to small groups that can be accessed virtually, providing flexibility around your daily commitments whilst still offering opportunities to learn alongside peers.
Who can receive support?
The programme is designed to support those settings who would most benefit from additional expert guidance. Settings are eligible if they:
- Have received an Ofsted judgement of Requires Improvement or Inadequate under the previous framework or needs Attention or Urgent Improvement in any area under the new framework indicating that improvement is needed.
- Have children eligible for Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP).
- Have children eligible for the Early Learning for 2-Year-Olds Offer.
- Support significant numbers of children with SEND.
Support is focused on helping leaders identify priorities for improvement and build the confidence, knowledge and systems needed to drive positive change.
What does support include?
Every support package is tailored to your setting but typically includes:
- Coaching for leaders.
- Observation and/or co-observation of practice.
- Identification of strengths and area for development
- Improvement planning and review
- Signposting to high-quality resources, training and wider support available through the EY Stronger Practice Hub network.
The programme is not an inspection and isn’t just about preparing settings for inspection. It is a supportive, collaborative opportunity to work with an experienced professional who understands the realities of early years practice and can help you achieve sustainable change.
Interested in receiving support?
If you would like to apply for support or discuss whether your setting could benefit from the programme, please contact your local Early Years Stronger Practice Hub.