Funding resources

The Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs programme started in November 2022. It helps the early years sector deliver high-quality, evidence-based practice.

The programme is funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and delivered with the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) and the National Children’s Bureau (NCB).

What the funding is for

Grants support lead settings to create and run stronger practice hubs across England. Hubs help early years settings create environments where every child can thrive. 

Hubs do this by:

• offering accessible, high-quality professional development
• providing expert advice
• sharing evidence-based resources

Funding available

Each hub can apply for up to £240,000 per financial year.

Who can apply

You must apply as a lead setting. This must be a group-based early years setting, such as:

• school-based
• private
• voluntary
• independent (PVI)
• maintained nursery school

You must also name 2 to 4 partner settings. These can be group-based early years settings or childminders.

What you can spend the funding on

Funding must support the programme’s core objectives:

• share evidence-based guidance through newsletters, blogs, events, webinars and social media
• build and maintain strong networks of early years providers, including childminders
• provide a clear point of contact for advice and support
• run an effective hub with skilled staff, full local authority coverage and strong partnerships
• support the Best Start in Life Strategy by working with local authorities and family hubs

How to apply

You should:

• read the guidance 'Apply to become an early years stronger practice hub - GOV.UK'
• send your application by email to: eysph.applications@education.gov.uk

The deadline for applications is 16 January 2026 at 11:59pm.