Swift Payback for Nursery Owners

Support Your Staff. Safeguard Your Ratios.

The Problem is Real. And It’s Not Yours

You hired in good faith.
You reviewed certificates, checked training credentials, and welcomed new staff onto your team — only to discover their qualifications don’t meet EYFS standards.

You’re not alone. Many Early Years employers are being caught out by the growing number of courses being marketed as “suitable” but which aren’t full and relevant.

Let’s be clear: this wasn’t your mistake.
It was a failure of oversight by other training providers who didn’t do their homework. But now, it’s affecting your compliance, staffing ratios, and ability to deliver funded hours.

At Swift Childcare, we’ve never been part of the problem. But we’re here to fix it.

Why We’re Launching This Programme

As a nursery owner or manager, you do everything by the book, recruit, vet, and onboard staff with the right qualifications.

But recently, more and more settings are contacting us saying:

“We hired someone we believed was qualified, but their certificate doesn’t meet EYFS standards.”

It’s a growing sector-wide issue: learners are finishing courses that don’t count in ratio, leaving you understaffed, non-compliant, and at risk of losing funding or operational capacity.

It’s not your fault, and it’s not theirs. But it is something that needs to be fixed.

What Is the Swift Payback Scheme?

We created Swift Payback to help independent nurseries (with fewer than 10 sites) requalify their staff with up to £1,500 in training credit, ensuring your team members can become fully compliant without paying twice.

The credit applies to Swift’s Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma, a 10-month, Full and Relevant course tailored for in-setting success.

Who can apply?

This programme is open to independent nurseries where:

  • Your staff member completed an Early Years qualification in the last 4 years
  • Their course is not Full and Relevant under EYFS (i.e. not ratio-compliant)
  • You or they can provide a copy of the original course invoice (no substitutes accepted)
  • Neither party has previously applied for this refund
  • The nursery has fewer than 10 registered settings
Full Terms & Conditions

You may make up to 10 claims per nursery. Claims must be submitted by 30th November 2025. Each claim will be reviewed by our team and may require further information for verification

Multi-Site Operators?

If you operate 10 or more nursery sites, please contact our Business Development team to discuss a bespoke group solution.

Contact Our Business Development Team

Start Supporting Your Staff Today

You’ve already invested in your people. Now let us help them finish the journey, with the right qualification this time.

CLICK HERE TO BEGIN YOUR CLAIM

About the Diploma: Level 3 Early Years Educator

This 10-month course equips learners with:

  • Practical skills to support development from birth to age 5
  • Core knowledge of safeguarding, education, and behaviour
  • Experience-based learning, guided by mentors
  • Full eligibility to be counted in staffing ratios under EYFS
FIND OUT MORE

Why Choose Swift?

We’re not generalists. We specialise in Early Years training and nothing else.

Here’s what you and your staff gain when working with Swift:

  • Courses that are 100% Full and Relevant (EYFS compliant)
  • Proven outcomes in practitioner capability and retention
  • Personalised course pathways tailored to your setting
  • Ongoing support for both learners and nursery leadership

Our mission is to build a stronger Early Years workforce, setting by setting.

Got Questions About Swift Payback?

If you’re unsure about whether you’re eligible, need help with your claim, or just want to talk things through, we’re here for you.

Simply fill in the form and one of our friendly team members will be in touch to guide you through the next steps.

Reach out today – let’s get you back on track.

Any Feedback?

feedback@swiftcc.co.uk