Early Years Stronger Practice Adviser Recruitment

Every child deserves the best start in life. The earliest years shape future learning, wellbeing, and success. Through the Best Start in Life Strategy, the Department for Education (DfE) is driving higher standards and quality in early education so that every child can thrive.

The Early Years Stronger Practice Adviser (EYSPA) Programme is a new iteration of the previous Experts and Mentors programme, which focused on developing the skills of early years professionals to reduce the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on children’s development. An independent evaluation found:

• A positive, statistically significant impact on practitioners’ confidence in supporting children’s personal, social, and emotional development. 
• Strong evidence that the programme had a positive impact on practitioners’ confidence in supporting children’s communication and language development.

The EYSPA programme will build on these foundations by delivering targeted support to eligible childminders and group based settings to boost children’s development, improve outcomes and narrow the disadvantage gap, delivered via the Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs (EYSPH).

When a setting is identified by Ofsted as needing to improve, an EY Stronger Practice Adviser will be able to offer coaching and guidance using their expertise and experience to address issues quickly and effectively. Settings with high numbers of children on roll eligible for Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP), the Early Learning for 2 year olds offer and with SEND will also qualify for support. 

Rate of pay: £400 per day for childminder adviser and £500 per day for group-based adviser

How to submit your Expression of Interest

We invite you to submit an expression of interest, using the form below, outlining your relevant skills and experience.

Please submit your expression of interest form to your local participating EY Stronger Practice Hub (Bright Futures Early Years Stronger Practice Hub) at earlyyears@bright-futures.co.uk

The full application packs can be found in the attachments above. Closing date for applications is 13 July 2026.