The Excellence in Reception Teaching course is new for autumn 2026 and is part of the Department for Education’s ‘Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life’ strategy. The course will be delivered by Ambition Institute, who have a proven track record in delivering teacher development programmes.

It is designed to deepen early years pedagogical knowledge and strengthen practice using practical, research-based approaches. 

The training aims to support more children to achieve a good level of development that will include: 

• Child development 
• Classroom practice and teaching 
• Inclusive practice  
• Effective partnerships 

The course is expected to last two terms and will include a mix of live online sessions and on-demand content that you can complete in your own time. 

Who's eligible?  

The course is for experienced Reception teachers, or those who will be teaching Reception year in a mainstream school. This could be a primary or all-through school. 

This course is not suitable for active Early Career Teachers.  

How much does it cost?  

The Excellence in Reception Teaching course is a DfE funded programme for teachers working in state-funded settings in England. 

If applicants do not work in an eligible school, the Excellence in Reception Teaching costs £650 plus VAT. 

How does it differ from NPQEYL 

The focus of Excellence in Reception Teaching is much more on excellent reception pedagogy rooted in knowledge of child development, as opposed to leadership knowledge in an EY context. 

• It's a teaching programme, not a leadership programme. It sits between ECT and NPQ. 
• It's reception specific, not targeted at nurseries. 

Register your interest with us by using this form.

Explore the framework for the course here.