Early Years Financial Incentive - "Golden Hello"
Staffordshire has been selected to join an exciting national pilot to encourage people to return to or start a career in early years.
It means that these professionals could be entitled to a ‘Golden Hello’ payment through the Early Years Financial Incentive (EYFI).
The Department for Education (DfE) has launched the pilot to test whether financial incentives in the early years sector will boost recruitment. New research highlights just how influential early years professionals are in a child’s development, with 97% of parents agreeing that an early years professional had an impact on their child’s development, and two thirds (66%) agreeing that they are one of the most important people in their child’s life.
The aim of the pilot is to help childcare providers in Staffordshire to attract staff and fill vacancies, by paying an incentive payment of £1,000 to eligible individuals who take up a job with them. This is funded by the Department for Education.
Staffordshire is one of twenty local authorities across the country that has been selected to take part in the pilot scheme. The pilot will launch in Staffordshire in April 2024 and run until December 2024.
Government childcare recruitment campaign
How to get involved?
The Early Years Financial Incentive is only offered through a childcare provider that has submitted an Expression of Interest and meets the criteria.
Eligible Providers
- Registered to offer Early Education Funding (EEF) and are currently claiming for children.
- Located within Staffordshire and has submitted an expression of interest.
- Department for Education are not including Childminder or Reception Class employees in the pilot.
Eligible Individuals
Eligible Individuals must meet the below criteria (and the provider is participating with EYFI) :
- New to a career in early years,
- Returning to a career in early years (has not worked in a childcare provider for at least 6 months),
- Position is permanent but it can be full or part time,
- Be working directly with children for at least 70% of time.
Submitting an Expression of Interest
Submit your expression of interest and information on the criteria and the requirements of the EYFI.
Further information
The following information will be useful for providers advertising for recruits: