Early Years Teacher Birth to 5 leading to Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS)

Entry requirements

• A good honours degree from a UK higher education institution or equivalent overseas qualification.
• GCSE grade 4 or above (C or above for examinations taken prior to 2017) in English, mathematics and one science subject. If you do not meet the GCSE requirement in any of these subjects, you may take an equivalency test (one attempt only) at the School of Education following acceptance of any potential offer given.
• Trainees must be employed in an appropriate early years setting for at least 16 hours per week.
• Trainees must be working at settings that deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage in order to be funded.
• Sufficient employed experience, knowledge and understanding of early years.
• An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service and Health checking process identifies no concerns about suitability to teach. DBS is current for the duration of the programme.

Months of entry

September

Course content

This employment based course provides intensive specialist training covering babies, toddlers and preschool children to become an early years teacher in one year, with Early Years Teacher Status.

This course will enable you to become an effective, inclusive and evidence-informed teacher. At the heart of our course is a commitment to personalising your journey to Early Years Teacher Status. We'll help you to grow in confidence and competence by providing you with outstanding support as you train.

You'll find a supportive learning environment at the University. This will help you develop a deep understanding of the early years curriculum and acquire a range of teaching methods, based upon the latest research in education. We model good teaching as we train you, so you can transfer what you've experienced into your own practice. You will benefit from an additional contrasting placement which will provide you with a breadth of experience in schools, private, voluntary and independent early years sector.

You'll also benefit from a course that supports you in becoming a research-engaged teacher, who can use evidence to drive improvements in children's learning and wellbeing. Your PGCE modules form part of our Master of Research in Education, which you can continue with beyond your PGCE year.

• This course is ideal for graduates working in an Early Years setting.
• This strongly personalised programme will support you to gain Early Years Teacher Status in one year.
• This course is currently fully funded by government. Your employer will also have funding to enable you to attend classes one day a week and to attend alternative placement experiences.

You will study the Early Years curriculum and teaching methods based on the latest research. Topics include safeguarding, literacy, early maths, forest school and special educational needs and disability (SEND). Personalised support will help you with your study.

Sessions are for one full day a week, usually a Friday. Placements are in an Early Years setting (minimum 10 days, which may be extended to minimum 20 days depending on prior experience) and a Key Stage 1 school experience. You will be fully supported by setting mentors and university tutors.

Information for international students

Trainees must be UK based and have the right work and study in the UK for at least the duration of their pathway.