Leadership and management

What is the National Professional Qualification in Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL)?

The National Professional Qualification in Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL) is a new, DfE-funded, professional development course offered from Autumn 2022 to leaders and aspiring leaders of early years settings. It is designed to support early years leaders to develop expertise in leading high-quality education and care, as well as effective staff and organisational management. 

The NPQEYL has been designed with leaders and practitioners in mind, using the latest and best available evidence and collective wisdom of the profession to ensure every child in every setting gets the best start in life. 

The NPQEYL is aimed at leaders qualified to (at least) Level 3 with a full and relevant qualification, who are, or are aspiring to be: 

• managers of private, voluntary or independent nurseries, 
• headteachers or leaders of school-based and maintained nurseries, or
• childminders with leadership responsibilities, or 
• other early years foundation stage leaders, such as reception class teachers or early years coordinators

Early years professionals helped us design this course to fit around busy schedules. On average participants will need to spend between 1 and 2 hours per week working towards this NPQ.

Further information about the NPQEYL is available on GOV.UK

What benefits will the NPQEYL bring to early years leaders and the children in their care?

The NPQEYL focuses on the key challenges early years leaders face in their role. This CPD course covers 7 topics, with a mix of self-study, group coaching sessions, and face-to-face sessions with other participants. 

It will help participants gain confidence and develop skills in: 

• developing your leadership style 
• delivering high-quality early education and care
• organisational management 
• giving constructive feedback to parents 
• enhancing the expertise of your staff and supporting their development 
• working with children who have additional needs and special educational needs 

Participants and their settings could benefit by: 

• ensuring all children experience success
• developing a high-quality and ambitious curriculum 
• managing resources and budgeting effectively 
• knowing what improvement approaches to use
• learning with people from different early years settings, allowing you to build your network and share best practice.