Choosing a good learning program for your child, with more confidence.
It is hard to judge a coding class, robotics camp, or leadership course from a website alone. The YLEA mark shows that an independent group of educators has reviewed the program against clear standards for safety, learning, and honest communication.
What YLEA actually is
YLEA, Youth Learning Excellence Accreditation, is an independent quality review for structured programs aimed at young learners, roughly ages 6 to 18. It looks at how a program is designed, how it is delivered, and how children are kept safe while they take part.
It is not a school qualification and it does not rank children. Accreditation is awarded to a specific program run by a specific provider, is valid for a fixed period, and must be renewed.
What we check on your behalf
Six standards, in plain language
Every accredited program is reviewed against the same six standards. Here is what each one means for you as a parent.
Learning design
The program has clear goals for what your child should know or be able to do by the end, not just a list of activities.
Age-appropriate delivery
Language, pace, group size, and materials are matched to the age range the program says it serves.
Evidence of learning
There is a real way to see progress, such as a project, a portfolio, a short assessment, or teacher feedback, not just attendance.
Structured learning hours
The total learning time is documented and planned, so you know what your child actually spends time doing.
Safeguarding and staff conduct
Provider has policies for child protection, staff checks, and how adults are expected to behave with young learners.
Responsible use of technology and AI
Where tools, devices, or AI are used, the provider explains how they are used safely and how children's data is handled.
Useful for any program
Questions worth asking before you enrol
These questions are useful whether or not a program is accredited. A good provider should be happy to answer them clearly.
- 1What will my child be able to do or understand by the end of the program?
- 2Who is teaching, and what is their experience with this age group?
- 3How is the group organised, and how many children are with each adult?
- 4How do you handle safeguarding, and what checks do your staff go through?
- 5If technology or AI tools are used, how do you keep my child safe online?
- 6How will I know how my child is progressing?
- 7What happens if my child struggles, or if they want to go further?
- 8How many hours of learning does the program actually include?
How to read a YLEA listing
If a provider tells you they are accredited, here is what to look for.
Look for the badge and certificate number
A valid YLEA mark links back to a public listing that confirms the program is currently accredited.
Check what is actually accredited
Accreditation applies to a specific program and age range, not automatically to everything the provider runs.
Check the validity date
Accreditation is time-limited. The listing shows when the current review was issued and when it needs to be renewed.
What accreditation does, and does not, mean
We think it helps to be honest about the limits of any quality mark.
- The program has been reviewed by independent educators.
- Learning hours are documented and planned.
- Safeguarding and staff conduct policies were checked.
- The program is designed for a specific age range.
- There is a way to see evidence of learning.
- A guarantee of specific results for every child.
- A formal school qualification or exam credit.
- An endorsement of the provider's pricing.
- A substitute for visiting, trying a session, or reading reviews yourself.
Parent questions we hear often
Is YLEA a school qualification?+
No. YLEA is an independent quality mark for out-of-school learning programs. It does not replace national curricula or award formal credit at school.
How long is accreditation valid?+
Accreditation is time-limited and must be renewed. The validity period is shown on the provider's certificate.
Who reviews the programs?+
Applications are reviewed by an independent committee of educators under CPD International Group. Reviewers do not have a commercial interest in the programs they assess.
My child's program is not listed. Does that mean it is not good?+
Not at all. Many good programs simply have not applied yet. Accreditation is voluntary and takes time to complete.
How do I report a concern about an accredited program?+
You can contact us directly. Concerns are reviewed confidentially and can lead to a follow-up review of the provider.
Know what to look for in a program.
Learn the six standards we review and the questions worth asking before you enrol your child.