Professional/Short course Early Years Teacher Status
Page last updated 2 February 2023
Introduction
Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS), also known as Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) is an award for those who wish to become experts in working with children in the 0-5 age range. This qualification is designed for highly qualified staff who will lead delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework in the early years' sector.
UWE Bristol is an accredited provider and runs three routes to Early Years Teacher Status:
Graduate route (full-time)
This route is suitable for those with a degree (in any subject but not a Foundation degree) or equivalent.
No previous experience is required, although it would be advantageous to demonstrate evidence of pre-entry work experience with children of a relevant age.
The mode of study is 12 months full-time with three, six week block placements, in baby, toddler and pre-school age phase, plus a short two week placement in KS1/2 of a primary school.
Graduate route (employment based, part-time)
This 12 month route is for graduates who are currently employed in an early years' setting who wish to qualify as an EYT while continuing to work in practice.
All fees are paid and additional payment of up to a current maximum of £7,000 per year can be made available to settings for supply cover.
MA Education (Early Years)
Trainees on the Graduate route (employment based, part-time) or Graduate route (full-time) of EYTS will automatically be registered on the MA Education (Early Years). Ninety out of 180 credits of this will be obtained during the EYTS year (Phase 1), if all academic assignment are passed at 50% or above.
At the end of Phase 1, trainees may either choose to graduate with their PGDip or move on to the MA Education (Early Years), and gain the remaining 90 credits for Phase 2 by completing two further modules:
- Researching Education module
- Dissertation module.
Undergraduate route (part-time)
This course begins in the second year of the degree and is completed in the third year.
This route is for students who wish to gain EYTS alongside the BA(Hons) Early Childhood degree.
There is no additional fee payable for EYTS above the normal course fees for the BA(Hons) Early Childhood degree.
Entry requirements
Graduate route (full-time)
- A degree comprising at least 320 credits.
- GCSE Grade C/4, or above, or equivalent in English, Mathematics and a Science.
- Disclosure Barring Service check (previously a CRB check).
- Successful interview at UWE Bristol demonstrating a reflective approach to working with young children.
Graduate route (employment based, part-time)
- A degree comprising at least 320 credits.
- GCSE Grade C/4 or above, or equivalent in English, Mathematics and a Science.
- Disclosure and Barring Service check (previously a CRB check).
- Successful interview at UWE Bristol demonstrating a reflective approach to working with young children.
- Written agreement from your Setting Manager or Head Teacher for trainees to participate in the course (plus an appropriately qualified staff member to act as senior mentor whilst on placement in home setting).
- A permanent work contract in an early years setting (not bank staff). A voluntary role is not acceptable for this option, as laid out in the Department for Education (DfE) guidelines.
Undergraduate route (part-time)
- 104 UCAS Points at A Level, or equivalent (BTEC, CACHE, Access, etc).
- GCSE Grade C/4, or above, or equivalent in English, Mathematics and a Science.
- Disclosure and Barring Service check (previously a CRB check).
- Successful interview at UWE Bristol demonstrating a reflective approach to working with young children.
- We would encourage applicants to demonstrate evidence of pre-entry work experience with children of a relevant age.
All offers will be subject to satisfactory health checks through Occupational Health.
Disclosure of Criminal Background: Applicants who are offered a place must undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and will be required to complete a Disclosure Application Form.
Careers / Further study
The Early Years Teacher Qualification leads to work in the Early Years sector with children aged 0 to 5 years.
Successful candidates are also permitted to teach in reception classes of free schools, academies or independent schools.
Watch this Get into Teaching video about the essential role an early years teacher plays in children's development.
Structure
Content
Graduate route
The graduate route comprises 90 credits by successfully completing the following modules:
- Critical Perspectives on the Early Years Foundation Stage (30 credits)
- Qualifying for Early Years Teachers Status (60 credits).
The programme also includes a 120-day professional practice module. Employment based trainees may choose to complete part of this in the setting at which they are employed.
Undergraduate route
This route follows the programme for the BA(Hons) Early Childhood, but those successful in gaining a place for the EYTS award will study specialist options which are open only to those candidates who are awarded places on the EYTS Programme.
Year one students follow the main BA Programme.
Year two students take a specialist module which includes a placement of 30 days.
Year three students spend 50% of their time on professional activities including 90 days of placement.
On graduating, those with EYTS are qualified to lead the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum in Early Years Settings and may teach in academies, free schools and independent schools.
Learning and Teaching
Lectures, seminars, workshops and professional placements form the core of the programme.
Study time
Graduate route
For both the full-time route and the employment-based part time route, attendance at UWE Bristol is required on one day per week with occasional added days for particular activities.
The remaining days are spent on placement, which for the employment-based routes may be at the trainee's place of employment for a substantial amount of the time.
Undergraduate route
This is a part-time course, timetabled to ensure that you have sufficient space in the week for other commitments, including work-related learning.
Assessment
Graduate route
Assessment is through essays, presentations and a substantial EYTS e-portfolio.
Undergraduate route
Through written assignments and practice-based portfolios, which present evidence that a student has met the standards for EYTS.
Features
Professional accreditation
Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) is awarded and accredited by the Department for Education (DfE).
Study facilities
The Department of Education and Childhood at UWE Bristol has modern, purpose-built facilities. We have high quality teaching rooms with state-of-the-art technology available.
Excellent IT facilities and an Open Learning Area provide you with the latest equipment including an interactive whiteboard, CD burners, scanners and a range of equipment that can be booked out and borrowed, including digital cameras and laptops. Friendly staff are on hand to help when needed.
Learn more about UWE Bristol's facilities and resources.
Get a feel for the Education and Teaching facilities we have on offer here from wherever you are.
Prices and dates
Supplementary fee information
Graduate route (full-time)
The DfE offer a bursary of up to £5,000 to study. The amount is dependent on your first degree classification. The application process is the same as that for the undergraduate route.
Graduate route (employment based)
This route is fully funded by the DfE and an incentive is available for the employer. The incentive is £7,000 per candidate to settings, with a further £7,000 paid to the university to cover the fees. The payment to the setting must be used to support the EYTS trainee and be used for supply cover, salary enhancement and further training as required.
Undergraduate route
Standard undergraduate fees of £9,250 per year. There is no additional charge for the EYTS Assessment. Students will leave with a BA(Hons) Early Childhood degree with Early Years Teacher Status.
The EYTS certificate is awarded by the Department of Education to UK government funded students only. Therefore, if you are an International Student we would advise you to apply for MA Education (part-time distance learning 2 Years).
How to apply
How to apply
Graduate route (full time)
Please apply via the MA Education (Early Years) page, selecting full time.
Graduate route (employment based)
Please apply via the MA Education (Early Years) page, selecting part time.
Undergraduate route
Please apply for the BA (Hons) Early Childhood course through UCAS. If we are able to make you an offer, you will receive a communication through your UWE Bristol Welcome website which details how to register your interest.
We will then be in contact with you regarding arranging an interview.
For further information
- Email: Dr Nicola Bowden-Clissold
- Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 87413