A new national recruitment campaign has been launched by the Department for Education (DfE) to anyone new or returning to the early years sector. Successful individuals could be entitled to a “golden hello” payment of up to £1,000* through the Early Years Financial Incentive (EYFI) scheme.

The “Do Something Big” recruitment campaign is to encourage people to start a career working with small children – one part of this government’s ongoing sector support to ensure providers are in the best position to offer more childcare places for parents.

In February 2024, the government announced that Wolverhampton was one of twenty local authorities nationally that were selected as part of a pilot project. The aim of the pilot is to help the early years sector to boost recruitment in particular in high demand areas. The scheme was launched in Wolverhampton in April 2024 and will run until December 2024.

The pilot scheme is part of the government’ expansion of funded childcare for working parents, with working parents of two year olds being able to access 15 hours of funded childcare starting from April 2024. This will be extended to working parents of all children older than nine months from September this year, before the full rollout of 30 hours a week to all eligible families in September 2025.

For more information please visit the Childcare Choices website.

*Subject to terms and conditions

How to get involved?

The Early Years Financial Incentive is only offered through a childcare provider that is located within Wolverhampton and meets the criteria below:

Eligibility criteria for providers

New, or existing providers located within Wolverhampton must meet one of the following criteria:

  • A provider based in one of the identified six priority wards in the city (East Park, St. Peters, Blakenhall, Park, Graiseley and Heath Town).
  • A new provider based anywhere in the city. 
  • A current provider in the city looking to expand provision to meet growing demand. 
  • A current provider in the city recruiting to a Room Leader post within their setting.

Please note that the Department for Education (DfE) are not including Childminder or Reception Class employees in the pilot.

Eligible Individuals

To be eligible to receive the EYFI payment individuals must meet the criteria below:

  • New to a career in early years OR;
  • Returning to a career in early years after a break from childcare of at least 6 months.

AND

  • Taking on a permanent position (full or part time) in a setting within the City of Wolverhampton.
  • Be working directly with children for at least 70% of time.
  • Successfully pass their probation period and be in continuously employment for 12 weeks.

If you have any further questions or queries related to the EYFI pilot, please contact EYGoldenhello@wolverhampton.gov.uk.

Submitting an Expression of Interest:

If you would like to request an Expression of Interest form for the EYFI pilot please email -  EYGoldenhello@wolverhampton.gov.uk. 

Further Information:

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