Early years teacher : Entry requirements

To teach in a maintained school in England and Wales, qualified teacher status (QTS) is necessary. This is obtained by passing an initial teacher training course (ITT). The most common ITT route for graduates, unless your first degree is a BEd or BA/BSc (QTS), is the primary Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with an early years specialism.

Various ITT routes are available, but all of them will require a degree or equivalent qualification. For early years specialism, a degree in early childhood studies, education studies or psychology with a significant element devoted to young children may be an advantage. The basic requirements of GCSE (A-C) passes in English, maths and science (or equivalent qualifications) are also needed, as well as satisfactory results in numeracy, literacy and ICT (information and communications technology) tests. A Criminal Records Bureau (CRB)  check will also be required.

In Northern Ireland, ITT is known as initial teacher education (ITE) and the basic requirements are the same as in England and Wales. Once a graduate passes the BEd or PGCE they are granted 'eligibility to teach', the equivalent to QTS. To train as an early years teacher in Scotland, you would typically take either the BEd in Primary Education or alternatively you could study for the Professional Graduate Diploma in Education - Primary (PGDE). A degree, Higher grade in English at C or above and a Standard grade in maths, level 1 or 2, are the minimum entry requirements.

In England and Wales there are other, employment-based routes to QTS. These include the Graduate Teacher Programme (GTP), which involves one year of postgraduate training, as well as the Registered Teacher Programme (RTP) for candidates who have completed 240 or more university credits but not achieved a degree (this involves topping up credits to complete a degree whilst training). Another option for graduates is School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT), one years' classroom-based training.

Entry is not possible with HND only; diplomates must follow a post-HND two-year specialist BEd or BA/BSc (QTS) or the RTP route to gain QTS.

Pre-entry experience of working with young children is extremely useful. This may include volunteering at a local playgroup, play scheme or as a classroom assistant.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• a respect and fondness for children;
• excellent communication skills;
• good listening skills;
• the capacity to learn quickly;
• excellent organisational skills;
• the ability to inspire and enthuse young children;
• energy, resourcefulness, responsibility, patience and a caring nature;
• an understanding of the needs and feelings of children;
• ability to work independently, as well as being able to work in a team;
• a sense of humour and the ability to keep things in perspective.

The work is often active and you will need stamina to keep up with the needs of a large group of young, lively children. Creative skills such as music, dance, drama, arts and crafts are advantageous.

Arrange to visit schools to observe and talk to teachers. Approach your local authority (LA) and look at these websites for more information, including curriculums for foundation stage:

• Department for Education
• Welsh Assembly Government - Education and Skills
• The Scottish Government - Education and Training
• Department of Education for Northern Ireland (DENI)  

The Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR)  is the clearing house for applications to PGCE training in England, Wales and PDGE in Scotland (excluding the University of the West of Scotland, as it handles its own applications). Enquiries regarding training to teach in Northern Ireland are handled by the Department of Education for Northern Ireland (DENI) . Apply directly to universities in Northern Ireland.

Competition for primary teacher training can be intense. Applications should be made in the autumn prior to the start of the academic year.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.