Eligible local areas (see ‘Eligibility criteria’) are invited to submit a short Expression of Interest using the dedicated application form.

Nesta will contact long-listed eligible applicants to arrange an informal interview. This gives an opportunity for applicants to expand on information in the Expression of Interest form, and to ask Nesta any further questions about the potential partnership.

A small number (three-five) of shortlisted local partners work with Nesta for around 12 weeks to design and deliver a ‘discovery’ project. This serves two purposes:

• The output of the discovery project (the focus of which is decided in collaboration with both parties) will be useful to the local area in its own right for developing early years strategy or services.
• An opportunity for both sides to test out the partnership before a longer-term commitment is made.

More information about Trial Discovery Projects, including expected outputs, is included in the FAQs.

The local partners and Nesta decide if they wish to continue on to develop a long-term partnership. Nesta works with those who wish to continue to outline a short high-level proposal for a three-year programme of work.

We expect to work with a small number of areas (one-three) in a longer-term partnership. A panel at Nesta will select one-three local areas (based on the original selection criteria and the short high-level proposals described above) to continue working in partnership with Nesta.

All shortlisted partners will be invited to continue collaborating with Nesta as part of a peer-learning network, even if they do not end up forming longer-term partnerships.

Nesta and the selected long-term local partner(s) work together to:

• Align objectives
• Agree partnership terms of reference.
• Put contracts, staffing and governance arrangements in place.
• Further develop a shared programme plan.