Early Years Stronger Practice Advisers - Fixed Term - Great North Early Years Stronger Practice Hub

We are excited to be able to offer a number of secondment opportunities into our Great North Early Years Stronger Practice Hub from September 2026.

As part of the DFE Best Start in Life strategy, the Department for Education (DFE) is driving higher standards and strengthening the Early Years system so that every child can thrive. 

To support the delivery of the Best Start in Life Strategy the Great North Early Years Stronger Practice Hub is introducing Early Years Stronger Practice Advisers (EY SPA)

These roles will focus on:

1 x Childminders 1 day per week (14 days per term)

EY SPA’s will be based within the Great North Early Years Stronger Practice team and will play a key role in supporting early years educators through high-quality training and targeted support.

Are you an experienced Early Years leader, manager or practitioner looking for your next professional challenge?

We are looking for skilled, reflective and enthusiastic professionals to join the Department for Education’s Early Years Stronger Practice Adviser (EYSPA) Programme and support settings to improve outcomes for children.  Ideal candidates will be experienced Early Years leader, manager or practitioners.

Key Responsibilities

Improving outcomes for children by:

• Provide coaching, mentoring and targeted support to Early Years leaders and practitioners
• Model high-quality practice and evidence-informed approaches
• Support Settings to feel more confident with supporting children with SEND through inclusive provision 
• Support Settings to develop their Best Start in Life approaches
• Support Settings to respond to and implement Ofsted identified improvements
• Develop your own leadership and advisory skills through funded national training
• Make a genuine difference to children, families and settings across your local area

Eligibility – you must:

• Work in an Early Years setting rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ and have at least three years experience. Or work in a Local Authority.
• Hold a Level 6 Qualification.
• Have experience mentoring or coaching other EY Professionals outside their own setting.

Commitment:

• £400 per day funding paid to settings to cover release time for childminders (inclusive of travel and subsistence).
• 12 days per term commitment from Jan ‘27, plus 3 days training in Autumn term 2026. Dates to be confirmed at the interview.
• Funded training and ongoing professional development.
• Programme funded initially until March 2028.

For childminders, in the secondment your employer will receive a reimbursement for your overall salary costs up to the maximum of £400 per day including all on-costs and travel costs.  This will be agreed with your current employer prior to starting.

This role is not open to ECT’s  Please speak to your current employer before submitting the expression of interest to ensure they are willing to support a secondment.

Applicants must have authorisation to work in the UK.

Completed expression of interest forms should be emailed to: View email address on northeastjobs.org.uk by noon on Tuesday 4th August 2026. 

Please quote the vacancy reference on your form.