Ongoing DfE training and support: Early Years Professional Development and Childminder Mentor Programme

Posted on 23 November 2023 in News and updates

Early Years Professional Development Programme

The Early Years Professional Development Programme (EYPDP) is an exciting opportunity for early years practitioners to improve their understanding and skills in supporting the development of the most disadvantaged children between the ages of 2 and 4.

The EYPDP is fully funded by the Department for Education (including supply costs to support costs).

Pre-reception practitioners from schools and private, voluntary and independent settings (PVI), as well as childminders are eligible, with priority given to applications from settings that meet certain criteria.

What will the programme cover?

  • Communication and language
  • Early mathematics
  • Personal, social and emotional development

Eligibility criteria:

The EYPDP programme is available to all eligible settings offering childcare to children between 2 and 4 years of age with priority given to settings that ideally meet at least two of the following criteria:

  • Provide to at least one child with an Education, Health and Care Plan or Disability Access Fund
  • Provide to at least one child in receipt of Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP)
  • Provide to at least one child taking up the disadvantaged two-year-old offer
  • Early years providers which do not meet the above criteria but where local intelligence suggests disadvantaged children would benefit from their practitioners receiving additional CPD support, may also be eligible.

How do I find out more?

For more information visit: Early Years Professional Development Programme – Currently registering interest for January 2024 starts (earlyyearspdp.com) or to register interest visit: Early Years PDP Expression of Interest (educationdevelopmenttrust.com)

Childminder Mentor Programme

What is it?

It is now four years since the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Research has shown the impact on children, particularly the youngest and most disadvantaged children, has been far reaching and will potentially be long term.

The Department for Education has recognised the impact and is offering a childminder mentor programme to childminders across England to support them to narrow the gap between disadvantaged children and others. This is part of the Government’s Early Years COVID-19 Recovery Programme.

Childminder mentor programme – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

What support will I get?

The support is free for one term (mainly virtual) and it is tailored to your needs which may include:

  • Improving confidence in or knowledge of child development
  • Planning an effective curriculum
  • Supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
  • Supporting children with English as an additional language (EAL)
  • Building strong relationships with parents and carers

Please note it does not provide support with complying with the EYFS Safeguarding and Welfare requirements.

How do I apply?

Applications are open now for the Spring 2024 term.

Please complete the short application form, it will only take a few minutes to complete.