The Early Years Stronger Practice Adviser Programme provides targeted, expert support for eligible early years settings and childminders who want to strengthen leadership, improve practice and enhance outcomes for children.
Delivered through Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs, the programme offers coaching and practical guidance from experienced early years leaders working in Good or Outstanding Ofsted-rated provision. Support is designed to help settings reflect on areas for development, build confidence and make sustainable improvements in practice.
This support is available to eligible:
- group-based early years settings
- school-based early years settings
- childminders
The programme is particularly aimed at settings and childminders who would benefit from targeted support to improve provision, leadership and outcomes for children.
You may be eligible if your setting or childminding provision meets at least one of the following criteria:
Ofsted inspection grading
You have received:
- a ‘Needs attention’ or ‘Urgent improvement’ grading in any area under the post-November 2025 Ofsted inspection framework, or
- an overall grading of ‘Inadequate’ or ‘Requires improvement’ under the pre-November 2025 Ofsted inspection framework.
Additional eligibility criteria
You may also be eligible if you have children on roll who are:
- eligible for Early Years Pupil Premium
- eligible for the Early Learning for 2-Year-Olds Offer
- children with SEND who qualify for support
Applications meeting the Ofsted eligibility criteria will be prioritised.
Selected settings will work with the Early Years Stronger Practice Hub, an Early Years Stronger Practice Adviser and the Department for Education.
Group-based settings will receive face-to-face support for a minimum of three days over one term.
Childminders will receive support as part of a small cluster of four childminders, with up to four days of support over one term. This may be delivered in person or online.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, please complete the relevant application form.
Please also inform your Local Authority that you are applying for this support.
If your application is successful, you will be asked to complete a short diagnostic form. This will help us understand your setting’s priorities and match you with the most appropriate adviser.
Pen
