Thrive Together Stronger Practice Hub

EYSPA (Early Years Stronger Practice Advisor Programme)

Tailored support to build stronger leadership, develop practice and improve outcomes for children.

The Early Years Stronger Practice Adviser (EYSPA) Programme is a Department for Education initiative delivered through the Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs.

The programme offers focused, evidence-informed support to eligible early years providers, working alongside leaders and practitioners to identify priorities, strengthen provision and make lasting improvements for children.

Settings and childminders taking part in the programme will work with an experienced Early Years Stronger Practice Adviser (EYSPA). Support is shaped around the individual needs of the provision and may include coaching, action planning, professional development and practical strategies that can be embedded into everyday practice.

How can the EYSPA Programme help?

The programme is designed to support eligible early years providers to:

Strengthen leadership and decision-making
Develop the quality of early years practice
Support children’s learning and development
Improve outcomes for children
Reduce the impact of disadvantage
Identify practical and sustainable areas for improvement

Rather than providing a one-size-fits-all approach, the support will be tailored to the priorities and circumstances of each setting.

Support for Group and School-Based Settings

Eligible group and school-based providers selected for the programme can access:

3–4 full days of face-to-face support
Individualised coaching for leaders and practitioners
Support to identify priorities and develop an improvement plan
Practical, evidence-informed approaches linked to areas for development
Support delivered over the course of one school term

Settings will usually receive one period of support through the programme. Further support may be considered where there is an identified need.

Support for Childminders

Eligible childminders can access:

4 days of support across one term
A blend of online and/or face-to-face activity
Support within a small group of up to four childminders
Coaching and professional development
Opportunities to share practice, reflect and learn alongside other childminders

The programme aims to provide practical support that can be applied within the unique context of a childminding provision.

Who is eligible?

Providers will need to meet at least one of the programme's eligibility criteria to be considered for support.

Ofsted Judgements

Priority may be given to settings where the most recent Ofsted judgement identifies areas requiring improvement.

Under the Ofsted framework introduced from November 2025, this includes:

Needs Attention
Urgent Improvement

For inspections completed under the previous framework, this includes:

Requires Improvement
Inadequate

Support will be tailored around the areas identified for development and the wider needs of the setting.

Other Eligibility Criteria

Group and school-based providers may also be considered where children on roll include those who:

Receive Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP)
Are eligible for the Early Learning for 2-Year-Olds Offer
Have SEND and are eligible for additional support

Providers may meet more than one of these criteria.

Where demand for the programme is high, settings meeting the Ofsted criteria will be prioritised. The Stronger Practice Hub will also work with Local Authorities to help identify providers where targeted support could have the greatest impact.

Apply for EYSPA Support

Group and School-Based Settings

If you would like your setting to be considered for support, complete the application form below:

Apply for Group-Based EYSPA Support

Supporting information and programme documentation can also be downloaded below.

Childminders

Childminders interested in taking part can apply using the form below:

Apply for Childminder EYSPA Support