Early Years Stronger Practice Adviser Programme

Early Years Stronger Practice Advisor Programme

Targeted support to strengthen leadership, develop the quality of practice and improve outcomes for children. 

The Early Years Stronger Practice (EYSPA) Programme is a Department for Education initiative delivered through Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs.

EYSPA provides targeted, bespoke coaching and evidence-informed support to eligible early years settings. The programme helps leaders identify priorities, strengthen practice and build sustainable improvements that support better outcomes for children. 

Could EYSPA support your setting?

EYSPA support is available to group-based settings and childminders that meet at least one of the programme eligibility criteria.

You may be eligible if:

Ofsted

Your setting has received:

Under the post-November 2025 report-card framework

• Needs Attention 
• Urgent Improvement 

Under the pre-November 2025 inspection framework

• Requires Improvement 
• Inadequate 

Additional eligibility

Settings may also be eligible where they have a significant number of children on roll who are:

• eligible for Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP)
• eligible for the Early Learning for 2 Year Olds Offer
• children with SEND who qualify for support

Settings may meet more than one eligibility criterion. 

What does EYSPA support look like?

An experienced Early Years Stronger Practice Advisor will work with you through coaching, professional dialogue, observation, reflection and evidence informed support and implementation. Together, you will identify priorities and develop practical actions to strengthen practice and improve outcomes for children. 

Who are our EYSPA advisors?

Early Years Stronger Practice Advisors bring a wealth of early years experience, expertise and practical knowledge to the programme. 

EYSPAs work alongside setting leaders to understand their context, identify priorities and support sustainable improvements in practice. 

Meet the advisors who could work alongside your setting. 

• Kristina Marini (Early Years Stronger Practice Advisor Programme Delivery Lead)
• Alice Greenwood (Early Years Stronger Practice Advisor)

What happens after you apply?

We want the journey into EYSPA to be clear and straightforward. 

1. Apply

   Complete the EYSPA application form and tell us about your setting, the eligibility criteria you meet and the areas where you would value support.

2. Hub review

   The Hub reviews applications against the programme eligibility criteria and considers which settings would benefit most from support.

3. Selected for support

   If selected, you will be invited to complete an online diagnostic form and create your setting profile on the EYSPH Portal.

4. Matching

   The Hub uses your diagnostic information, alongside other relevant evidence, to match your setting with an EYSPA whose skills and experience best align with your needs. 

5. EYSPA support

   Your EYSPA will contact you to understand your setting in more detail and work with you to agree priorities and next steps.

6. Review and sustain

   Progress is reviewed throughout the support period, with a focus on helping your setting sustain improvements beyond the formal support.

Questions?

If you would like to discuss the programme or whether EYSPA is the right support for your setting, please contact: 

Brighter Start Early Years Stronger Practice Hub at [email protected]