NPQ Early Years Leadership
NPQ Early years leadership (NPQEYL):
Who is this programme suitable for:
Early years leadership national professional qualification - GOV.UK
Department for Education NPQ scholarship funding is available to all.
DfE-funded scholarships are available for this NPQ for all participants working in eligible educational and early years settings in England who meet the following criteria:
• Early years leaders qualified to at least Level 3 with a full and relevant qualification
• Managers of private, voluntary and independent nurseries
• Headteachers or leaders of school-based or maintained nurseries
• Childminders with leadership responsibilities
• Other Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) leaders, such as reception class teachers or early years co-ordinators
If you work in a school, please discuss with your headteacher or provider which NPQ best meets your professional development needs, as other NPQs are designed specifically for teachers and educational leaders.
If you do not work in an eligible setting, the NPQ in Early Years Leadership costs £895 plus VAT.
Develop the knowledge, confidence and leadership expertise to make a lasting impact
This 18-month National Professional Qualification (NPQ) programme is designed to strengthen leadership capability within early years education and support meaningful, sustainable improvement across educational and childcare settings.
Whether you are an established early years leader or aspiring to take on greater leadership responsibilities, this programme will equip you with the knowledge, confidence and practical strategies to lead high-quality early education and care.
Throughout the programme, you will develop expertise in key areas including:
• Delivering high-quality early education and care
• Organisational management and staff development
• Building positive and constructive partnerships with parents and carers
• Supporting children with additional and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
• Leading and implementing sustainable improvements across your setting
Designed with busy professionals in mind, the programme combines flexible, evidence-informed learning with practical application to ensure your development has an immediate and lasting impact in your setting.
The Programme at a Glance:
• Duration: 18 months
• Study commitment: Approximately 1–2 hours per week
• Delivery model: A blend of self-directed study, collaborative group sessions and facilitated learning
• Assessment: A written assessment at the end of the programme
Funding Opportunities:
Funding is available for professionals working in many educational and early years settings across England, subject to eligibility criteria.
Please note that while many participants may be eligible for funded places, eligibility does not guarantee access to a funded NPQ programme.
Eligibility Requirements:
Participants must hold a full and relevant qualification to at least Level 3. Full and relevant qualifications are defined as qualifications that demonstrate the appropriate depth and level of learning for full early years, childcare or play work qualifications, including valid assessment and awarding procedures with an element of assessed performance.
Participants should also be, or be aspiring to be, one of the following:
• A manager of a private, voluntary or independent nursery
• A headteacher or leader of a school-based or maintained nursery
• A childminder with leadership responsibilities
• An early years leader with responsibility for leading practice and provision
What you'll learn
The programme explores a broad range of early years leadership themes, enabling participants to strengthen both strategic understanding and day-to-day practice.
Key areas of study include:
• Establishing and sustaining your setting’s strategic direction
• Developing an evidence-informed teaching and learning culture
• Planning and delivering high-quality care and curriculum to support child development
• Implementing communication, language and literacy approaches to support children’s learning
• Managing behaviour and supporting children’s personal, social and emotional development
• Identifying additional needs early and ensuring appropriate referrals for children with SEND
• Prioritising, allocating and managing resources effectively to ensure sustainability
• Identifying, managing and mitigating risk across your setting
• Planning and implementing sustainable improvements in practice
You will also deepen your understanding of evidence-informed leadership approaches and gain practical models to help translate theory into effective leadership practice within your setting.
Benefits for You and Your Setting:
The programme is designed to strengthen both leadership confidence and organisational effectiveness, supporting improved outcomes for children and families.
Following completion of the programme, participants will be better equipped to:
• Develop an ambitious curriculum that meets the needs of all children and supports positive outcomes
• Deliver high-quality teaching and learning rooted in a clear pedagogical vision
• Strengthen understanding of statutory responsibilities and create fair, inclusive policies and systems
• Manage resources effectively, including budgeting, staffing, recruitment and sustainability planning
• Apply effective decision-making approaches to support ongoing improvement across their setting
Course Structure:
The course is designed so you can engage in live, facilitated sessions alongside modules that you can complete at any time.
The programme covers seven core topics outlined within the national NPQ framework, ensuring consistency, quality and relevance.
Training includes:
• Independent study
• Group coaching and collaborative discussions
• Face-to-face learning sessions with peers and facilitators
Commitment to the programme:
Participants should expect to dedicate approximately 1–2 hours per week to study and programme activities.