Early Language Lead

Early Language

Lead (ELL) Deadline for applications

midday Friday 27 November 2026.

Best start in life strategy

Every child deserves the best start in life. The earliest years shape future learning, wellbeing, and success. The Best Start in Life Strategy is driving higher standards across the early years sector so that every child can thrive. Part of the Department for Education’s (DfE) commitment is to introduce Early Years Learning Leads (EYLL) in three areas of learning: Personal, Social and Emotional development (PSED) Early Language Early Maths EYLLs will work from Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs (EYSPH) to provide support and training to early years educators.

They will be responsible for

Improving outcomes for children by

o Strengthening PSED, early maths and early language provision across early years settings by delivering high quality Early Years Stronger Practice continuous professional development (CPD). o Providing targeted subject specific support to early years settings to strengthen practice in PSED, early maths and early language. Actively engaging with subject specific professional development and networks to deepen expertise, share good practice, and support high quality delivery across the EYSPH area. EYSPH help early years settings to adopt evidence-informed practice and build trusted networks for sharing effective practice. For more information about the EYSPH please visit strongerpracticehubs.org.uk This document relates to EYLLs for early language ONLY.

Opportunities now open

Experienced early years professionals are invited to apply for the role of Early Language Lead (ELL). Applicants can apply as an individual or be released by their current employer. A comprehensive package of support including induction, training and follow up support will be provided to all ELLs. Induction and training for successful applicants will take place in January 2027, ahead of delivering support to educators and settings from February 2027. Time required for the role ELLs will be funded to work four days per week during term time only. There is the option to deliver this flexibly and spread the support across the year depending on the needs of providers. Training for the role The DfE has appointed a Subject Matter Expert (SME) who will be responsible for providing training to all ELLs before they start delivering support from February 2027. Full details will be provided by the SME but is likely to include: January 2027Half day online induction session including evidence-informed approaches to practice. Half day online session on coaching and mentoring approaches and effective improvement planning. o In person training on how to deliver the Early Years Stronger Practice CPD – language for educators working with children aged 2-4 module (based on the EYPDP3 language module). February 2027In person training to deliver the new Early Years Stronger Practice CPD – language for educators working with children under 2 module. Dates and times of the training will be shared with successful applicants. The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) will provide input and support to the SME on evidence-informed practice, professional development and implementation.

The SME will also

Provide follow-up support and quality assure training delivery through 1-2-1 supervision sessions, observation of workshops/webinars delivered by leads, group webinars/drop-in sessions and peer to peer reviews. Facilitate networking and collaboration to share best practice including one face to face and two online events during the year.

Other details

The day rate for all EYLLs is up to £500 per day. This is inclusive of all costs and travel associated with delivery of the programme. ELLs will be expected to provide support to educators and settings across the whole of the geographic area covered by

Sheffield and Beyond EYSPH

Sheffield, Barnsley and Rotherham. ELLs will be expected to be available for training from January 2027 and start delivery in February 2027. Funding for ELL is available until the end of March 2028, with the possibility of extension to the end of March 2029.