Financial support

If you want to undertake training there are various ways to access financial support:

Devon County Council’s Early Years and Childcare Service (EYCS)

Devon County Council’s Early Years and Childcare Service (EYCS) offers a range of fully funded short courses and e-learning programmes. To find out if you are eligible for EYCS funding please see the eligibility criteria.

Education and Skills Funding Agency

Some training providers access Education and Skills Funding Agency money through the Government which allows them to offer qualifications at a reduced fee or fully funded. If you contact the training provider directly they will tell you what qualifications they offer and the cost of them. A list of Education and Skills Funding Agency training providers in the South West can be found here.

Student Finance England

If you are not eligible for EYCS funding you can apply for a student loan to fund your qualification:

  • Level 3 and 4 qualifications: if you are over 24 and want to undertake a Level 3 or 4 qualification you can you access a 24 + Advanced Learning Loans.
  • Level 5 and 6 qualifications: various funding is available through Student Finance England including Tuition Fee Loans, Maintenance Loans, Maintenance Grants, and various other support if you are on a low income, have a disability, or have children / dependant adults. Please visit the Student Finance website for more information.

Funding for GCSEs in English and Maths

If you wish to complete a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification, you also need GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent) in English and maths to be counted in the ratios. Funded GCSEs are available through most local colleges and some training companies. Please contact the following organisations for further information:

Additional Support

  • Support with childcare: if you are under 20, Care to Learn funding may be available to help pay for your childcare costs whilst you are training.
  • Books and Resources: for information on early year’s books and resources within Devon visit library resources to support your training needs.