Apply for a workforce bursary
Apply for a workforce bursary
Early Years and Childcare Bursary Offer
Designed to support the workforce to develop a high quality and sustainable childcare provision!
The Early Years Service are pleased to continue to offer a training and development funding pathway for Ofsted registered Early Years and Childcare settings within Buckinghamshire.
Early Years and Childcare Settings, Schools with new or existing staff members, Childminders and individuals enrolled to a Full and Relevant qualification course with a secure placement are invited to participate in this offer via their employer or placement setting.
Early Years and Childcare Qualification Bursary
As a result of listening closely to the sector and analysing the available sufficiency and ward area data, this year we plan to provide a 100% bursary for eligible settings supporting staff to complete full and relevant qualifications. All other successful applications will be eligible to receive anywhere up to 80% subject to a full review.
Funding is very limited therefore individual bursary requests will be closely reviewed and capped to ensure all available funds are distributed in the most fair and equitable manner.
Diploma Bursary
Buckinghamshire registered settings can apply for up to two staff members to complete Level 3 and Level 2 diplomas that meet the new Early Years Educator Standards in place from September 2024.
Qualifications funded by individual training companies and free Level 3 qualifications available for eligible adults will not be supported by this funding pathway. Click here for more information and to find a free Level 3 qualification This also includes the DfE funded Early Years Leadership qualifications.
Degree Bursary
In this year's initiative, we are promoting career development opportunities for new and existing staff to develop management skills and gain higher level qualifications. Therefore, registered settings can also apply for a degree bursary for a staff member who is currently pursuing a Level 4 or higher qualification, such as a BA honours.
This bursary offer is designed for practitioners who are working within Buckinghamshire and do not qualify for government funded courses. To check if you are eligible to access a funded place on a training course you can visit The National Skills Service. To view the latest list of free courses for jobs in Early Years and Childcare use the Find a course portal.
Choosing a training company
We have worked with various training companies to support the workforce to access appropriate training courses, a few of which are listed on this page. This list is not exhaustive and naming companies and educational settings in this way does not indicate that they are endorsed by Buckinghamshire Council.
When choosing a training company check that the course meets the regulations as set out in the EYFS along with any personal aspirations to progress with onward career and education plans. Look at the awarding body website and do a centre search locally to you. All good training providers are inspected annually by the awarding body and must adhere to a rigorous quality assurance process.
To request an application form, send an email to eycpd@buckinghamshire.gov.uk from an Ofsted registered email address and return before Friday 25th October 2024.