The Department for Education (DfE) funds a range of continuing professional development (CPD) training and support for early years educators and leaders. Opportunities are available both online or in person, enabling practitioners to access learning in ways that suit their setting, role and availability.
Online programmes provide flexible access, while stronger practice hubs offer additional opportunities for collaboration, peer support, and networking through both virtual and face-to-face engagement.
Key DfE-funded programmes and guidance
- Early years continuing professional development and support guidance - Overview of available national training and support programmes
- Maths Champions - Targeted support to strengthen early mathematics teaching and leadership
- Early years child development training - Evidence-based training to support high-quality interactions and child development knowledge
- Stronger practice hubs - Regional networks that provide professional development, resources and opportunities for collaboration
Additional sources of online support
A wide range of high-quality online resources and guidance is available to support early years settings, practitioners, and families in promoting children's learning and development.
DfE and sector resources
- Help for early years providers - Practical resources, activities and guidance for childminders and educators working with children aged 0 to 5 years
- Foundation Years - National updates, policy information and resources specifically for early years professionals
Statutory and non-statutory guidance
- Early years foundation stage (EYFS) statutory framework - The mandatory standards that schools and childcare providers must meet for the learning, development and care of children from birth to age 5
- Development Matters - Non-statutory curriculum guidance supporting practitioners in implementing the EYFS
- Progress check at age 2 - Guidance to support practitioners in completing the statutory progress check for children aged 2
School-based support
- Reception improvement offer - Provides further details of online and in-person professional development and school support focused on improving teaching, learning and leadership in Reception classes