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The Poppins Early Years Bursary: Free qualifications from ACL Essex County Council

Make a meaningful difference in the lives of young children in Essex with a rewarding career in early years.

If you are looking for a new career in early years or want to build on the skills you already have,  the Poppins Early Years Bursary can help. It does not matter how much experience you have — the courses available under this exciting initiative are there to help everyone do their best.

If you live or work in Essex there is funding available to support you. There are lots of options to choose from, whether you are just starting out or want to move into a management or specialist role.

Apprenticeships: Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to learn new skills and earn money at the same time. Anyone can do an apprenticeship, no matter how old they are or what job they want to do. ACL offers the following apprenticeships to support early years workers:

  • Level 2 Early Years Practitioner
  • Level 3 Early Years Educator
  • Level 3 Team Leader Supervisor
  • Level 5 Coaching professional
  • Level 5 Early Years Senior Practitioner

Work Based Qualifications:  If you are volunteering or working in early years, these courses can help you grow and reach your goals:

  • Level 2 Early Years Practitioner
  • Level 2 Diploma in Playwork
  • Level 3 Early Years Educator
  • Level 4 Advanced Practitioner
  • Level 5 Early Years Senior Practitioner

Online Courses: ACL offers a wide range of courses to help anyone who wants to work in early years or is already working in the sector. Our accredited courses cover topics including special educational needs, difficult childhood experiences, challenging behaviour, and more.

Gateway to Childminding: Have you ever thought about starting your own business but do not have the money or support to do it? If you live in Essex, you could get a grant of up to £1,000 to help you become a registered childminder.

Employers:  Early years employers who want to upskill and train staff can also apply for funded training for their staff.

We cant wait to welcome you onto a course and help you on your career journey!

For more information visit: the Poppins Bursary on the ACL webpage.

Or email us at: Poppins.Bursary@essex.gov.uk.

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