NPQ in Early Years Leadership
Lead lasting change in Early Years.
- Develop your leadership in early education.
- Create a culture where all children can thrive.
- Build a strong, supportive team.
- Access training rated outstanding by Ofsted.
Why choose the NPQEYL with Teach First?
For over 20 years, Teach First has trained leaders to raise outcomes in disadvantaged communities. We’re one of England’s largest NPQ providers and rated outstanding by Ofsted.
The NPQ in Early Years Leadership is designed for current and aspiring leaders in nurseries, schools and childminding settings. It will help you:
- Strengthen your leadership to improve outcomes for young children
- Build a supportive, development-focused environment for colleagues
- Lead strategic change to support all children’s development, which includes children with additional and special educational needs.
You’ll also join a national network of Early Years leaders committed to educational equity.
Programme overview
Duration
18 months (+ assessment period)
Who is it for?
Leaders (or aspiring leaders) in Early Years settings – including nursery managers, headteachers of school-based or maintained nursey, and childminders with leadership responsibilities
Cost
Fully funded places available (subject to eligibility)
Self funded: £1090 + VAT
Delivery
Blended learning: online modules, online seminars, in-person conferences
Start date
November 2025
Your questions about the NPQ in Early Years Leadership
- What will I learn on this programme?
You’ll explore how to lead effectively in Early Years settings – from developing your team to improving child development outcomes and leading improvement across your setting.
Modules include:
- Culture
- Implementation
- Organisational management
- Child development and curriculum
- Communication, language and literacy
- Personal, social and emotional development
- Assessment
- Additional special educational needs and disabilities
- Professional development
- Working in partnership
This programme includes a practical cycle where you plan or lead a strategic improvement in your setting.
- Can I get a funded place?
You may be able to get your NPQ fully funded by the Department for Education, depending on your school or setting. You're likely eligible if you work in a state school in the top 50% for pupil premium or your school is on the DfE's RISE list.
- What if I’m not eligible?
You can still apply and self-fund.
Cost for NPQ in Early Years Leadership: £1,090 + VAT- How do I apply for the NPQEYL?
To apply, you’ll need:
- A valid Teacher Reference Number (TRN)
- Full support from your school or setting (confirmed in writing)
This programme is suitable for:
- Managers of private, voluntary or independent nurseries
- Headteachers of school-based or maintained nurseries
- Childminders with leadership responsibilities
While not mandatory, participants are expected to hold a full and relevant Level 3 qualification (or higher). Aspiring leaders should be in a deputy/room leader role or close to applying for a leadership position.
Getting started is easy:
Register with the Department for Education, then complete your application with support from your chosen delivery partner.- How am I assessed?
To successfully complete the NPQ in Early Years Leadership, you’ll need to engage with at least 90% of the course and pass a final, open-book assessment. This involves submitting a written response (up to 1,500 words) to a case study during an 8-day window at the end of the programme. You can refer back to course materials as you apply your learning to a realistic scenario.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? View our full NPQ FAQs
Designed by experts. Delivered locally.
Our programme is built by in our in-house experts and delivered through trusted regional partners. Our delivery partners tailor the learning to your local context, ensuring it’s relevant, practical and impactful.
Facilitators know course materials extremely well. They skilfully enhance seminar discussions with examples from their own experience.
Ready to lead in Early Years?
Join a programme rated outstanding by Ofsted and trusted by thousands of teachers nationwide.
Take the next step in your leadership journey.