New grants are available to expand the network of Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs (EYSP hubs) across England. The hubs provide advice, share good practice and offer evidence-based professional development for early years practitioners. There are currently two hubs in the South West (Plymouth and Bristol) and the aim of the grants is to expand the network to four hubs per region.
Applications must be made by a Lead Setting which is a group-based early years setting (school-based, private, voluntary, independent (PVI) or a maintained nursery school) on behalf of a cluster of two to four Partner Settings. Partner Settings must be group-based early years settings or childminders.
EYSP hubs will need to create and develop a network of early years settings and practitioners, acting as a point of contact for advice and support, including signposting to professional development opportunities.
The successful EYSP hubs will receive grant funding of around £240,000 per financial year with scope for further funding for the delivery of commitments outlined in the Best Start in Life Strategy.
Focus of fund/fund aims:
Grants to set up new hubs to provide advice and support to early years practitioners
Application deadline:
16 January 2026
Fund description:
https://find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/grants/early-years-stronger-practice-hubs-2026-1