Building Capacity for Early Years Excellence: Supporting PSED Learning Leads Across England

Overview

Etio is delivering a national programme with Subject Matter Expert, Dr Abigail Miranda, on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE) to support the development of a network of Early Years Learning Leads specialising in Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED). The programme forms part of the Government's wider ambitions to improve school readiness and ensure every child has the best possible start in life.

Working with approximately 36 Early Years Learning Leads based across England's expanding network of Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs, Etio is providing expert guidance, training, quality assurance and ongoing support to strengthen the quality and consistency of PSED provision within early years settings.

The Challenge

Research consistently demonstrates the importance of personal, social and emotional development in supporting children's learning, wellbeing and long-term outcomes. To achieve the ambitions set out in the Government's Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life strategy, the Department for Education established a new network of Early Years Learning Leads who will provide professional development and tailored support to educators across England.

For this initiative to succeed, Learning Leads require high-quality training, evidence-informed resources, and sustained professional support. The programme also demands consistency across diverse regions while ensuring that support remains responsive to local needs and contexts.

Our Approach

Etio's role encompasses the full development and support journey of Early Years Learning Leads specialising in PSED.

The programme begins with a comprehensive review and enhancement of the Department's existing Early Years Professional Development Programme (EYPDP3) PSED module. Working alongside recognised experts, Etio ensures that all training content reflects the latest evidence, current policy requirements, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and guidance such as Development Matters.

Through a train-the-trainer model, Etio delivers:

• Online induction for all PSED Learning Leads
• Specialist training on coaching approaches and effective improvement planning
• Face-to-face and online training to prepare Learning Leads to deliver the EYPDP3 PSED programme
• Ongoing supervision, mentoring and professional support
• Quality assurance through observation, feedback and peer review
• National and regional networking opportunities that promote collaboration and the sharing of best practice

The programme is led by an experienced team that combines deep expertise in early years education, programme delivery and personal, social and emotional development.

Impact

By strengthening the knowledge, confidence and capability of Early Years Learning Leads, the programme creates a sustainable mechanism for improving PSED practice across England's early years sector.

The initiative supports Learning Leads to:

• Deliver high-quality professional development to early years practitioners
• Provide tailored support to settings and childminders
• Strengthen educators' understanding of children's social and emotional development
• Promote evidence-informed approaches to self-regulation, relationships and emotional wellbeing
• Support school readiness and improved outcomes for young children

Through ongoing coaching, quality assurance and national collaboration, the programme helps ensure that effective practice is shared consistently while remaining responsive to the needs of local communities.

Looking Ahead

Running from April 2026 to March 2028, with the option to extend for a further year, this programme represents a significant investment in the professional capability of the early years workforce. Through expert-led training, robust quality assurance and a growing community of practice, Etio is helping build the capacity needed to improve personal, social and emotional outcomes for young children across England.

 If you are an early years practitioners looking for free CPD in early maths and/or PSED from Autumn term 2026 to March 2028, please reach out to your local Stronger Practice Hub for more information.