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15 July 2025

We are now able to offer an additional £1,000 for those looking for a new career in Early Years.

Thanks to the DfE Early Years Financial Incentive Scheme, we can now offer a £1000 payment to eligible new or returning staff, funded by the Department for Education (DfE). On top of our existing £500 joining bonus, you could earn an additional £1500*

Who’s eligible?

A new employee who:

  • Works directly with children for at least 70% of their time.

  • Are new to Early Years, or

  • Returning after 6+ months away from the sector, or

  • Previously worked in unpaid/temporary Early Years roles in the last 6 months.

 

Key dates:

  • Staff must start on or after 15 July 2025.

  • First payments begin 15 January 2026, once the staff member has been in post for 6 months.

 

How to reserve:

Before the DfE portal opens in September 2025, you can reserve an incentive by completing a short Expression of Interest form (get in touch with our recruitment team by email here).

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Career in Early Years – Work for YMCA Fairthorne Group:

We have several nurseries across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. You will be eligible for this reward when you apply for any of our nurseries. View our vacancies here.

Want to find out more about our individual nurseries? Find out below.

 

*This £1,000 is only for those eligible. We will always have a £500 joining bonus.

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