What we do
We understand the very different learning needs of young children and support families to choose the best early years provision for them.
We deliver family learning programmes, offer free access to CPD-training through EYA Learn, specialist information, advice and publications, run acclaimed training, qualification courses and campaign to influence early years policy and practice.
Information and advice
Our membership and customer services team offers specialist advice, resources and support to early years providers, students, volunteers, members and our partners. We provide guidance on all aspects of starting up and managing a childcare service, to successfully running a charitable setting.
We offer a legal advice line, Law-Call, for Alliance members who benefit from free advice about any business matter from contract law and prosecution defence to employment disputes and tax.
Giving you a voice
As the largest and most representative early years membership organisation in England, we are committed to giving Alliance members and the wider early years sector a real voice. We want to ensure the experiences of providers are considered in developing the government’s policies. We lobby vigorously against early years policies which we believe do not support and promote the interests of families and providers.
Training and qualifications
As a major training provider, we deliver a range of staff development programmes and professional courses for early years professionals. Our packages provide opportunities to develop skills with recognised early years qualifications. We tailor packages for individual clients such as local authorities, covering areas such as healthy eating in early years, EYFS and inclusive practice.
We also offer a comprehensive and varied range of online training courses, using innovative approaches to CPD to support the sector’s learning.
Early years insurance
We offer comprehensive insurance packages for Alliance members, backed by one of the largest insurers, Intact Insurance (formerly RSA). Alliance members are covered as standard for forest schools, bouncy castles, tyres as equipment, outings, fundraising events, bonfire and sports displays. A UK-based early years team is dedicated solely to working on the scheme with immediate cover and no arrangement fee applied.
Specialist publications
We offer a range of publications and resources covering all aspects of policy and practice including managing an early years service, business support, inclusive practice, learning and development planning and record keeping.
Children's services
We have considerable experience setting up and managing children’s centres, nurseries, pre-schools, creches and baby and toddler groups in predominantly deprived areas