London Institute of Early Years: empowering educators through accredited CPD
The London Institute of Early Years (the Institute), part of London Early Years Foundation (LEYF), is dedicated to advancing knowledge, practice, and innovation in early childhood education. Through research, training, and sector-wide collaboration, the Institute supports professionals to deliver the very best outcomes for children and families across the UK and beyond.
A central part of this mission is providing high-quality continued professional development (CPD) for early years practitioners. Delivered by experts with first-hand sector experience, the Institute’s programmes are designed to help educators translate evidence-based practice into real impact for children’s learning and development.
Customised Qualifications with NCFE
Seeking to create tailored learning opportunities that address current and emerging themes in early years education, LEYF and the Institute partnered with NCFE to secure awarding body accreditation, ensuring external recognition and credibility for its CPD offer.
Through this collaboration, three Customised Qualifications have been accredited:
- Developing Sustainability in an Early Years Setting
- Level 3 Award in Building Health in Early Years (Nutrition, Food Preparation and Pedagogy)
- Level 3 Award: Improving Food & Health in Early Years Settings
Gary Simpson, Learning and Development Programme Manager at LEYF, said: “Accreditation from NCFE enhances the credibility of the programmes we have developed and provides assurance that the quality assurance process underpins them with the highest standards. The NCFE team have been responsive, supportive, and professional throughout the journey - making the process both effective and engaging.”
The impact on staff, children, and communities
Offering accredited CPD has strengthened the Institute’s ability to provide transformative learning for practitioners while contributing to better outcomes for children and their families.
Gary explained: “We have seen a significant impact across our Customised Qualifications on both learners and the children they support. Partnering with NCFE has increased our reach, enabling us to provide formal CPD opportunities that address pressing and innovative areas of early years development not currently reflected in regulated qualifications.”
The nutrition-focused qualifications have helped chefs and practitioners design fresh, balanced, seasonal menus for children aged 0–5, while sustainability training has embedded environmental awareness in nursery life, empowering children to become champions of environmental care.
Gary added: “From our first discussions about prospective courses to ongoing advice and guidance, NCFE has been continually supportive and professional. Their warmth and expertise make them a valued partner in our mission to shape the future of early years education.”
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