The EEF Guide to the Early Years Pupil Premium
Develop quality practice
The early years are crucial years.
Research evidence shows us that high-quality early education and care are good for all children, but the benefits for socio-economically disadvantaged children are even greater.
To make sure your Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) funding makes a real difference:
- Reflect on current practice. Identify areas where improved interactions can have the greatest impact on disadvantaged children.
- Invest in evidence-informed professional development for the whole team. Focus on approaches which are most relevant to disadvantaged children.
What we do in the early years matters – and how we do it matters just as much.
Wise investment of the EYPP can drive meaningful and lasting improvements in practice.
You could use your EYPP to:
When you choose effective, evidence-informed professional development, you are more likely to develop and sustain quality practice. When deciding which professional development is right for you and your team, it’s important to prioritise approaches which are most likely to be effective. Research evidence is a useful tool for doing this.
The table below summarises evidence-based approaches which contribute to high-quality education and careHigh-quality education and care refers to the quality of educators’ day-to-day interactions that support children’s development and the care they experience.. Carefully consider how you might spend EYPP on professional development to enhance or implement some of these evidence-based approaches as part of your strategy.