Preschool Mentor Qualification: At a Glance
- Level: Accredited Level 3 (Practitioner).
- Target Audience: EYFS practitioners, childminders, room leaders, and pre-school managers.
- Core Focus: Early SEMH identification, PSED support, and intervention planning.
- Framework: Mental health led approach for children aged 0-5.
- Flexibility: 15-minute virtual units (Total 30-50 hours).
- Certification: Accredited Professional Qualification.
The Office for National Statistics reported that 1 in 18 preschool children experienced difficulties with their mental health, with this increasing to 1 in 10 by primary school. As such, being able to provide effective intervention and support as early as possible is more important than ever.
Who is this course for?
The Preschool Mentor Qualification was designed for teachers, practitioners, childminders, creche workers, room leaders, playworkers, managers and support staff in early years settings. It is especially popular with those who are looking to expand range of specialised certifications with a program which addresses and reflects the finer details of their work.
Moving Beyond Behaviour: Understanding the Root Causes in Early Years
Designed from a mental health led framework, the Preschool Mentor course covers skills on overcoming barriers, adapting learning approaches, and effective tools for interventions along with wider group involvement. Professionalising the role of the wellbeing lead in early years, Preschool Mentors are enabled to understand the root causes of children’s challenges, and best practice for addressing them.
The training focusses on supporting proactive PSED interventions for pre-school settings, using evidence-based strategies for early years mental health. This includes practical methods of how to assess, plan and deliver interventions for social, emotional and mental health difficulties.
How does this qualification support the EYFS Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED) goals?
Our course is specifically designed to help practitioners meet and exceed the PSED requirements of the EYFS framework. By training staff to recognize early social and emotional triggers, they can create a more nurturing environment that develops the self-regulation and relationship skills essential for a child’s transition to primary school.
What is a ‘mental health led framework’ for preschool children?
Working with children under five requires a specialized approach. Our framework focuses on attachment, emotional security, and the “root causes” of distress. Mentors are trained to assess a child’s emotional needs and plan interventions that support healthy brain development and long-term wellbeing.
Is this course suitable for home-based Childminders?
Absolutely. Childminders often work in isolation and are the first to spot early developmental or emotional challenges. This qualification provides the professional theory and accredited status to back up your practice and provide high-quality evidence for Ofsted inspections.
Can this training help reduce developmental barriers for preschool children?
Yes. By identifying SEMH difficulties as early as possible- when the ONS reports 1 in 18 children are already struggling- mentors can implement interventions that prevent these challenges from escalating. This proactive support is crucial for narrowing the gap for vulnerable learners before they enter formal education.
Nursery Practitioner vs Accredited Preschool Mentor
| Feature | Standard EYFS Practitioner | Accredited Preschool Mentor (Level 3) |
| PSED Knowledge | Foundational awareness | Specialist intervention training |
| Behaviour Focus | Redirection and management | Root cause analysis & SEMH support |
| Role | Daily care and teaching | Strategic lead for emotional wellbeing |
| Observation | Tracking milestones | Assessing complex emotional needs |
| Authority | EYFS Qualified | Accredited Specialist Practitioner |
Preschool Mentor Qualification
Price is £1190 + VAT at 20%. If paying by invoice, please select Invoice at the checkout and we will email you an invoice.
Preschool Mentor Qualification Payment Plan
Price includes VAT at 20%.
“I have learnt a lot of knowledge on how to recognise any social, emotional and mental health difficulties and feel more confident on what can be done to help and support.”
Previous course participant feedback
For more information contact us by email hello@thementoringschool.com or by phone 02381 120010