NPQ in Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL), starting November 2026

The National Professional Qualification for Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL) is designed for current and aspiring early years leaders, including managers of PVI nurseries, leaders of school-based or maintained nurseries and childminders with leadership responsibilities.

The programme supports participants to develop their leadership knowledge, skills and confidence, with a focus on areas including child development, curriculum and assessment, SEND, professional development, organisational management, implementation and partnership working.

To be eligible, participants must hold a full and relevant Level 3 early years qualification or higher before starting the programme. 

The NPQEYL is fully funded by the DfE for eligible early years settings in 2026/27.

The programme is delivered by UCL, with face-to-face sessions taking place in Windsor. The programme runs for 18 months, followed by an eight-day open-book summative case study task.

Interested colleagues are encouraged to apply soon. Please allow up to two weeks to complete the multi-step application process, including Headteacher/Line Manager approval. The full UCL application deadline is 23 October 2026 and funded places are limited