Early Years Stronger Practice Adviser for Group-Based Provision

Location: Various (area coverage to be discussed with the successful applicants, but would cover at least one of Sheffield, Barnsley and Rotherham)

Funding: £500 per day for a group-based adviser, this includes any travel and subsistence costs incurred. Payment will be made to the school or setting you work in.

Contract term: 15 months

Responsible to: Early Years Stronger Practice Hub Lead

Start date: January 2027

Closing date: Midday Monday 14 September 2026

Sheffield and Beyond Early Years Stronger Practice Hub

Context

Every child deserves the best start in life. The earliest years shape future learning, wellbeing, and success. Through the Best Start in Life Strategy, the Department for Education (DfE) is driving higher standards and quality in early education so that every child can thrive.

The Early Years Stronger Practice Advisor (EYSPA) Programme will deliver targeted support to eligible settings to boost children’s development, improve outcomes and narrow the disadvantage gap.  

An Early Years Stronger Practice Advisor will be able to offer coaching and guidance using their expertise and experience, to address issues quickly and effectively. The EYSPA Programme is delivered via the Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs (EYSPH).

Time required for the role

• You will be required to complete up to three days of face-to-face training to prepare you for the EYSPA role. This will be between September and December 2026.  
• For the role of group-based adviser, you must be available for the equivalent of a total of 14 days per term.  
• Delivery of support will start in January 2027. 
• Please note that group-based advisers will be expected to travel within their local hub area to support eligible settings face-to-face. This includes Sheffield, Rotherham and Barnsley.
• You will be required to complete up to three days of face-to-face training to prepare you for the EYSPA role. The first two dates are 16th October and 4th November 2026 and will take place in Leeds. You must be able to attend both these dates for your application to progress.  

Other details  

• Sheffield and Beyond Early Years Stronger Practice Hub will request references from applicants and may conduct due diligence visits to the settings of successful applicants.

Please note that the closing date for this vacancy is 14 September 2026.  This advert will be extended closer to this date.