Early years teacher : Training

All newly qualified teachers (NQTs) follow a three-term induction programme, usually completed in one school. The induction period is designed to ensure that all NQTs are supported and monitored during their first year of teaching and that their future professional and career development is built on a firm foundation.

Induction can be done in a nursery school but, as you will need breadth of experience, you may need to gain some additional experience with children of other ages. Separate induction arrangements, similar to the English/Welsh arrangements, are in place in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

After induction, a wide range of further in-service training is available, for example in special needs teaching (SEN) or subject leadership. Short courses are also available. An MBA/MA/MEd may be useful to those seeking management positions.

Schools deliver training spread over the course of the year. Content and delivery are determined by individual schools. All teachers in Scotland have a contractual commitment to undertake 35 hours' continuing professional development (CPD) per year. More information can be obtained from the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS) .