Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) Funding

Best Practice Network will receive the training costs directly from the Children's Workforce Development Council (CWDC), so there will be no charges payable by EYPS applicants. In addition, on behalf of CWDC, BPN will be able to reimburse settings with the cost of supply cover for candidates on the validation, short EPD and long EPD pathways respectively and award a busary of £5,000 to candidates on the full training pathway.

A full day care setting in the private, voluntary or independent sector employing a Level 5 or 6 graduate with a degree in a subject relevant to working with children, is eligible to apply to the local authority for a Quality Premium of £5,000 per annum to spend on additional professional development staff as long as a member of staff will qualify for Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) within 2 years from the date that the Quality Premium was paid. In addition, if the setting has not previously employed a graduate in a relevant subject, it is eligible to apply to the local authority for a Recruitment Incentive of £3,000 per annum to cover the extra costs of recruiting and employing a graduate for the first time.

Travel and other costs

The Graduate Leadership Fund covers course fees, bursaries, mentor costs and supply cover costs for candidates, however the package does not extend to travel expenses for candidates attending training or assessment locations. Candidates should look to their employers to refund any travel expenses they incur.