Apply to become an early years stronger practice hub
How early years practitioners can apply to become a stronger practice hub.
Applies to England
Overview
Early years stronger practice hubs:
- provide advice
- share good practice
- promote evidence-based professional development for early years practitioners
- work closely with local authorities, early years settings and other partners, playing a crucial role in delivery of the government’s early years strategy Giving every child the best start in life
There are currently 18 early years stronger practice hubs – 2 in each region in England. We plan to recruit an additional 18 hubs across England to make a total of 36 hubs.
Who can apply
To be eligible to lead an early years stronger practice hub, your setting must be:
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a group-based early years setting, including:
- school-based
- private, voluntary or independent (PVI)
- rated good or outstanding by Ofsted
- providing pre-reception early education
How to apply
Early years settings can apply to become an early years stronger practice hub by completing the . Refer to the to help you complete the form.
All completed forms must be received by 11:59pm on 16 January 2026.
Contact details
If you would like to be added to the application mailing list or have any questions, email eysph.applications@education.gov.uk.
You’ll then receive updates on clarification questions and our responses. You can also request a slide pack of the webinar ‘Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs 2026 Expansion: Information session for potential applicants’, which took place on 8 December 2025.
Updates to this page
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Updated with information on how to request a slide pack of the webinar on 'Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs 2026 Expansion: Information session for potential applicants', which took place on 8 December 2025.
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First published.