Search

Early years and childcare training and support

We offer Hampshire schools, early years and childcare providers a range of support and training opportunities to improve outcomes for children.

Childcare and early years practitioners

Hampshire Leading Foundation Stage Practitioner

Find out about the support service provided to Early Years Education and childcare providers by Leading Foundation Stage Practitioners

Safeguarding Early Years

Safeguarding advice for Early Years Education and childcare providers

Childcare support from your employer

Employees should seek advice from their employer in the first instance about the following support

Ofsted Early Years Education and Childcare Registers

All childcare providers registered with Ofsted are inspected using the Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework for care, learning and development

Financial support for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and disabilities

Family Fund helps families of disabled or seriously ill children by giving grants and information relating to the care of the child.

Early Years National Funding Formula (EYNFF)

Guidance for Early Years Education and childcare providers on the Early Years National Funding Formula

Early Learning for 2-Year-Olds Funding – eligibility and how to apply

This scheme is for 2-year-olds where families meet the eligibility criteria to receive early years education from the funding period after their second birthday.

Early Years and Childcare Consultations

Find information on consultations relating to Early Years Education and childcare

Next Steps to promote your business and to offer Early Years Education (EYE) funding

Register with Hampshire County Council to deliver the Early Years Education (EYE) free funding for 2, 3 and 4 year old children

Early Years Pre-school Advisory Groups (PAG’s)

Early Years Pre-school Advisory Groups

Hampshire SEND Local Offer

The SEND Local Offer brings into one place, information about services and the support available for children and young people from birth to 25 who have special educational needs and disabilities, and their families.

Autumn 2026 Provider Briefing/webinar - online

Afternoon session: 1pm to 2:30pm

Early Years Inclusion training

Find training available for early years Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators and any other early years practitioners with an interest in inclusion

Autumn 2026 Provider Briefing/webinar - online

Morning session: 10am to 11.30am

Autumn 2026 Provider Briefing/webinar - online

Evening session: 7pm to 8.30pm

Opening a new childcare business in Hampshire

Services for Young Children offers comprehensive support, advice and training for those wanting to open a nursery, pre-school, childminding service or out of school club in Hampshire

Childcare provider resources

Resources for Early Years Education and childcare providers

Early Years Education (EYE) Funding

Guidance for Early Years Education and childcare providers on claiming your setting's EYE funding

Early Years Education Funding Payment and Statutory Guidance

Statutory guidance for Early Years Education and childcare providers on the EYE funding payments

Services for Young Children (SfYC) Neurodiversity and Wellbeing Service (Early Years)

This service will support pre-school children with an emerging or identified neurodivergent profile, with or without social, emotional, and mental health needs. Support will be offered in the Early Years Setting.

Other government support with childcare costs

Details of other funding support

Support for families Support for young people Support for special needs

Early Years Transition Service

The Early Years Transition Service is part of the Services for Young Children (SfYC) Inclusion team. The service will support children transitioning to reception year (Year R) at school that have been identified as having a need at SEN support level

Becoming a registered childminder in Hampshire

Becoming a registered childminder in Hampshire and have a positive impact on the learning and development of young children

Hampshire Early Years Specialist Hub Provision (EY SEN Hub)

Hampshire funds Early Years Specialist Hub Provision for children under five who have significant and complex special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).