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Early years sector-led quality improvement support from NCB

NCB is being funded by the DfE* to develop a programme of work to improve outcomes for young children and their families through a model of peer to peer support, using an evidence-based approach to improve the quality of early years settings.

Working mainly with local authorities, the programme will be sector-led and is based on a model developed in partnership with the Centre for Excellence and Outcomes in Children's and Young People's Services (C4EO).

Together, NCB and C4EO will expand their existing number of early years sector specialists, who will support local authorities and others to:

  • Identify and work towards direct outcomes for children and families
  • Improve leadership and performance
  • Embed peer-to-peer support and challenge
  • Understand the requirements of a revised EYFS

The peer to peer model includes the following elements:

  • An evidence base gathered through our existing knowledge reviews and validated local practice.
  • Advice on early intervention strategies
  • A 'sector specialist' offer of peer-to-peer support for locally determined needs
  • National and local networking to embed learning into the sector
  • Simple performance management tools
  • Signposting to effective quality improvement support materials
  • Support for self-evaluation of impact

The programme will build on what practitioners and managers already know and do well, and enhance quality improvement through the support of peers experienced in the early years and in change management processes.

If you have local practice that is working well that could be shared with others, please send it to us for validation. Please visit the C4EO website for further information or contact: c4eoteam@nfer.ac.uk

If you would like to take advantage of free peer to peer support please contact Priya Plowman at NCB.

* This work is supported by the DfE's Improving Outcomes for Children, Young People and Families fund