Professional development

• National Professional Qualification in Integrated Centre Leadership
  • Who is NPQICL for?
  • Programme details
  • 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.
• All NPQICL participants have access to the National College’s online communities, where they will be able to debate, discuss and share ideas with peers from across the education sector.
• NPQICL is accredited as 60 Masters level CAT points through the delivery providers.

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 Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) 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 currently open.