The early years sector has faced multiple challenges in recent months: the pandemic, staff shortages, increased safeguarding concerns, higher numbers of children with SEN, a new statutory framework to implement, as well as huge financial pressures.
Despite this – or perhaps as a result – there was demand from the sector for good professional development to give practitioners the tools to support children effectively.
In response, in September 2021, the DfE funded the ‘Building on Success’ programme — a revised version of the government's successful Early Years Professional Development Programme (EYPDP) — a key element of the national government initiative to improve children’s outcomes in early language, literacy and mathematics. 
Delivered by , the BoS course had new content added in response to the pandemic and was offered to practitioners as part of the UK government’s early Covid-19 recovery plan.
High interest and enthusiasm
By December 2021, all 2,000 places for the fully-funded online training programme were filled.
Participants were enthusiastic and appreciative of the timing of the course.
A practitioner from Sandwell said: "This programme is coming at the right time – people want more direction. They’ve had a go at the EYFS, battled Covid and seem to be coming through the other side of that trauma. Their normality is different to before. This programme is fantastic, focusing on the key things – it fits beautifully with what is needed.’
The programme is fast-paced and demanding, with participants learning via online videos followed by a live webinar with a Programme Trainer each week.
The speech, language and communication content was created in partnership with subject specialists, and covered key elements such as how children learn to communicate, how children develop language, the importance of early narrative skills and how practitioners can incorporate language development into children’s play.
As a result of the course, 98% of participants reported feeling more confident in supporting children’s speech, language and communication development.
Good feedback
Feedback has been positive – 97% of participants said the course effectively helped them to improve their day-to-day practice, and many gave examples of demonstrable impact after just a few weeks on the programme.
A practitioner from Reading said: ‘This course is altering the way I connect with the children in my care so much. I look forward to the learning part and interaction with my group and practitioner every week.’
A childminder from West Sussex said: ‘The training has really made a difference. I have been working in Early Years for over ten years, but I have learnt so much in the last four weeks! The impact has been so much more language and vocabulary being used in my setting – and this in a short space of time.’
‘It is difficult to find appropriate training that can challenge higher qualified and experienced practitioners, but we can already see that our member of staff will be able to bring her increased knowledge and resources into our whole setting.’ — Staffordshire Nursery
After the seven units of Speech, Language and Communication training, participants then moved onto six units of Early Mathematics training, written by subject experts Dr Sue Gifford and Dr Catherine Gripton, and then onto five units of training on Personal, Emotional and Social Development written by leading mental health charity the Anna Freud Centre, whose patron is HRH the Duchess of Cambridge.
Looking ahead
The Building on Success programme ends in July 2022.
At the end of the course, practitioners devise an action plan, with the support of their Programme Trainer, on how they can implement what they have learned and embed their learning throughout their settings.
They will then receive a certificate of completion from OCN London, the awarding body who have endorsed the quality of the training.
For some useful resources visit .
Professional development opportunities
If you would like some training to support you in your role visit the .
Alliance members also get access to more than 30 EduCare courses free as part of their membership as well.
