The Award - Early Years
The submission process
Once Early Years settings have completed all criteria for one theme for Bronze, an extra theme plus Staff Wellbeing for Silver and all three themes for Gold; evidence can be submitted towards achieving an award.
Action plan templates need to be completed and uploaded along with the additional evidence that is outlined in the action plan for each theme.
Please note that themes can be worked on in any order depending on a setting’s priorities. You don’t have to apply for awards in order, you may choose to go straight for Silver or Gold award.
The three award themes are: Active Lives, Healthy Food and Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) and Emotional Health & Wellbeing theme. Find out more about each theme and download action plans by registering to take part and logging in to the Early Years section.
The Award - Early Years
Submission dates
There will be 3 submission dates during the academic years 2021-22.
| Online award submission date | Settings notified of achievement or further evidence requested no later than |
| Academic Year 2022-23 | |
| 28th April 2023 | 26th May 2023 |
| Academic year 2023-2024 | |
| 29th September 2023 | By 3rd November 2023 |
| 19th January 2024 | By 23rd February 2024 |
| 26th April 2024 | By 24th May 2024 |
Bronze
To achieve the Bronze award, all criteria for one theme needs to be completed and uploaded into the action plan templates. Additional evidence identified in bold in the action plan also needs to be uploaded.
Silver
To achieve the Silver award, all criteria for two themes need to be completed and uploaded into the action plan templates. Additional evidence identified in bold in the action plan also needs to be uploaded. The Staff Wellbeing criteria also needs to be met.
Gold
To achieve the Gold award, all criteria for all four themes need to be completed and evidence uploaded into the action plan templates. Additional evidence identified in bold in the action plan also needs to be uploaded. The Staff Wellbeing criteria needs to be met and maintained.