National Professional Qualification in Early Years Leadership

We are now taking registrations of interest for spring 2024.

In 18 months, participants will develop expertise in early years leadership, helping to give all children up to the age of five the best possible start in life.

Ambition Institute has designed this ground-breaking new NPQ to help you develop your knowledge and understanding of what high-quality, early years education and care looks like.

Those doing the training will learn:
> Gain a NPQ for Early Years Leadership accreditation in 18 months
> Access the latest evidence-based learning
> Become an expert in early years education
> Broaden your network of early years leaders

What you’ll learn

The programme follows the Department for Education’s National Professional Qualification: Early Years Leadership Framework.

You will learn how to:

  • Set a strategic direction for your early years setting and apply ambitious standards for all children
  • Champion evidence-based practice
  • Plan and deliver care and a high-quality curriculum to support children’s development
  • Establish communication, language and literacy approaches to support children’s learning
  • Make sure all children experience success
  • Identify children who need support and make appropriate referrals
  • Create an environment for all children and colleagues where everyone feels welcome and safe.

Note: programme content is subject to change.

  • Thrive as a leader – this programme is designed specifically for leaders of early years education. Through evidence-based professional development, you’ll learn what great early years learning looks like and how to lead others and your setting. You’ll also look at what others can learn from you.
  • Close the gap – evidence shows that high quality care and education in early years is fundamental for a child’s development, preparing them for school and later life*. We’ll help you to develop the knowledge to deliver this to the children you support. *Sources:Barnett, W. S. (1995). “Long-term effects of early childhood programs on cognitive and school outcomes”. The Future of Children, 25-50.Heckman, J., Pinto, R. and Savelyev, P. (2013). “Understanding the mechanisms through which an influential early childhood program boosted adult outcomes”. American Economic Review 103(6), 2052-2086.
  • Train to your timetable – this is a flexible programme, designed to fit around your existing work commitments. Most of the training can be completed at a time that suits you with minimal time spent away from your early years setting.
  • Connect with peers – you’ll train with people from early years settings, sharing your experiences and building a strong support network.
  • Tailor your training – the programme allows you to apply the theory to your early years’ setting.
  • Give young people the best start – equipping your leaders with evidence-based training on what good education and care looks like will help to create a level playing field for children in the early stages of life.
  • Benefit from tailored training – this is the first NPQ that is designed specifically for early years practitioners. It will develop expertise that can be applied to identifying and addressing persistent and common challenges in early years leadership.
  • Invest in high-quality professional development – participants will learn how to unpack and apply learning across all aspects of the early years –and support their colleagues to develop in these areas too.
  • Create a ‘golden thread’ – the new NPQs are all aligned. Right from the start, your leaders will benefit from an evidence-based framework with a common language that they can pass onto colleagues.
  • Tap into a network – your leaders will train alongside peers from other early years settings, supported by facilitators who fully understand their needs.