Professional development

• National Professional Qualification in Integrated Centre Leadership
  • Who is NPQICL for?
  • Programme details
  • Credits towards other qualifications
  • Benefits
  • Costs
  • Apply
  • Dates and locations
  • Providers
  • Information sessions
  • Case studies
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Contact details
  • Appeals

National Professional Qualification in Integrated Centre Leadership (NPQICL)

The National Professional Qualification in Integrated Centre Leadership (NPQICL) is the first national programme to address the needs of leaders within multi-agency, early years settings.

The qualification is for leaders of children's centres delivering integrated services. It gives them the opportunity to collaborate across the community and provide seamless, high-quality services for babies, children and families.

Key facts

• NPQICL has equivalency to the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) for maintained nursery schools.
• The qualification is for practising leaders who will be delivering integrated services within a multi-agency, early years setting during the year that they undertake the qualification.
• NPQICL is accredited as 60 Masters level Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS) points through the delivery providers.
• Find out more about the programme by using our new interactive resource. It includes lots of insights about the programme from previous participants.
• Download our fact sheet.

Duration

The programme runs from September to July.

Delivery method

NPQICL offers a range of learning methods, including face-to-face sessions, online learning and collaborative reflection. Participants have access to a mentor for support, guidance and challenge. A centre-based assessment visit takes place towards the end of the programme.

Who can apply?

You must be in a leadership position within a designated or approved Sure Start children's centre. If you are a leader of private provision, you should be able to demonstrate that you are leading centre services in a formal partnership with designated public provision.

Next application round

The application round for NPQICL is now closed.

The programme running from September 2011 through to July 2012 is to be the last programme held using the current model. The programme will be reviewed during 2011-12 with the intention that a refreshed programme will be available from 2012. Further information will be provided as the revised content is developed.