19 August 2026
Redbridge Institute is excited to announce that it has successfully secured an extra £200,000 per year from the Mayor of London’s Talent Pathways Fund, a significant investment that will expand the delivery of Level 3 Early Years Educator training programmes across the Local London sub-region.
This funding will enable Redbridge Institute to increase capacity and train more skilled early years professionals at all levels, supporting the capital’s urgent need for a highly qualified childcare workforce.
Qualified Early Years Educators play a vital role in nursery settings, as staff qualified at this level count towards statutory staff-to-child ratios, making them indispensable to the effective operation of early years settings. By expanding access to high-quality training, this initiative will directly support childcare providers in meeting regulatory requirements while maintaining high standards of care and education.
Meeting Growing Demand in the Childcare Sector
The investment comes at a time of increasing demand for childcare places, driven by rising population levels, expanded government childcare entitlements, and the growing number of working families. Across London and the UK, providers face ongoing challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified staff, placing pressure on the sector’s capacity.
Accessible, affordable childcare is critical to the foundational economy, ensuring parents—particularly those with young children—can enter and remain in the workforce. By strengthening the talent pipeline, Redbridge Institute’s expanded training offer will contribute to economic resilience and social mobility across the region.
Leading Provider with Outstanding Results
Redbridge Institute is proud to be the only provider of Level 3 childcare pathways within the Local London sub-region, with an exceptional track record of 100% achievement rates and 100% job outcomes for learners. This success reflects the Institute’s strong employer partnerships and commitment to high-quality, industry-relevant education.
All programmes are co-designed with local early years settings, ensuring that training aligns with real workforce needs and equips learners with the practical skills required to succeed in employment from day one.
Building Careers and Strengthening Communities
A career in early years education offers rewarding opportunities to make a lasting impact on children’s development, while providing clear progression pathways, job stability, and strong community value. Through this funding, more individuals will be able to access these meaningful careers and contribute to the wellbeing of future generations.
Call for Employer Engagement
Redbridge Institute is encouraging more employers across the sector to engage with its training provision, whether by collaborating on curriculum design, offering placements, or supporting staff to upskill to Level 3 qualifications. This partnership approach will ensure a sustainable and skilled workforce for the future.
William Pickford, Principal says:
“This funding represents a major step forward in tackling workforce shortages in the early years sector. By working closely with employers, we are creating pathways into stable, rewarding careers while supporting the wider economy through improved childcare access.”
For more information about Redbridge Institute’s Early Years programmes or to get involved as an employer partner, please contact:
marketing@redbridge-iae.ac.uk