Department for Education announces 9,500 fully funded early years SENCO training places from April 2026

As part of the government’s Best Start in Life strategy, to break down barriers to opportunity and improve early identification and support for children with SEND, the Department for Education (DfE) is very pleased to announce that Best Practice Network (BPN) has been selected as our delivery partner to provide an additional 9,500 Early Years SENCO training places from April 2026 until March 2028.

Training is available across England and is open to Early Years educators currently working as, or due to start working as, a Special Educational Needs Coordinator in their setting.

Early Education Minister Olivia Bailey MP said:

Early years staff are vital to delivering high-quality support for children and making sure every child, especially those with additional needs, gets the best start in life.

That’s why we’re training 9,500 Early Years SENCOs, backing the sector with the expertise needed to identify SEND early and support children to thrive.

Best Practice Network has a strong track record of delivery, and this next phase will help us reach more settings across the country – particularly in the communities that need it most – so every child can get on and succeed.

The first cohort of trainees commenced in April 2026 and recruitment is open for future cohorts now.

For further information, including eligibility and to complete your application, please see: Early Years SENCO 2026 | Best Practice Network