NPQ for Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL)
Lead high-quality early years provision with confidence.
The National Professional Qualification for Early Years Leadership (NPQEYL) is designed for leaders responsible for improving outcomes for children in early years settings.
Delivered by Eden Academy Trust in partnership with Ambition Institute, this programme combines evidence-informed leadership development with opportunities to reflect on and strengthen your practice.
Who is this programme for?
The NPQEYL is ideal for:
- Nurse leaders and managers
- Reception leaders
- Early years phase leaders
- School leaders with responsibility for early years
If you are leading early years provision and want to improve quality, outcomes and consistency, this programme will support you to lead with greater confidence and clarity.
What you'll gain
By the end of the programme, you will:
- Strengthen your understanding of how young children learn and develop
- Improve the quality of teaching and learning in the early years
- Develop expertise in curriculum, assessment and early development
- Build confidence in leading teams and improving practice
- Use evidence to inform decisions by improve outcomes for children
You’ll have the chance to consider how your professional learning may have a direct impact on your practice in your current setting.
How the programme works
The NPQEYL it is designed to fit around your role, with flexible, structured learning over time.
Duration: 18 months
Delivery includes:
- Self-paced online modules
- Facilitated sessions with experienced leaders
- Opportunities to reflect and apply learning to your current role
Assessment:
NPQs are assessed at the end of the programme through a written case study based on what you have learned (1,500 words). Support and guidance will be provided in preparation to this endpoint, and the process is manageable alongside your role in school.
Funding and eligibility
NPQEYL is fully funded for many schools through Department for Education scholarships.
Eligibility depends on your role and school context.
We can support you to:
- Check your eligibility
- Understand funding options
- Complete your application
What Participants Say



Ready to get started
Get started today by completing the Ambition Institute registration form here: https://www.ambition.org.uk/contact-us/npq-enquiry-page/