- Study mode
-
- Full-time
- Part-time
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Teaching qualifications
- Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS)
- Student loans
- Yes
- Classroom experience preferred
- Yes
- Fees and funding
- Fees payable
- Undergraduate duration
- 1 year to 3 years
Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) is an undergraduate route to Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) for those studying for a degree in an early childhood-related subject.
- By training to become an early years teacher, you’ll deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage, teaching children from birth to age five in childrens' centres, private nurseries, school nurseries, and reception classes.
- If you wish to teach at primary level, you will require Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) is different to QTS, allowing you to specialise in working with children up to five years old only. You’ll be required to meet all aspects of the early years Teachers’ Standards in order to gain Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS).
- Early childhood degrees typically take between three to four years to complete. On graduating, you’ll be recommended for EYTS and will be ready to start your first early years teaching job.
Fees and funding
The amount training providers charge varies – for UK and EU students, it can be up to £9,250 per year for a full-time programme starting in 2018. It’s a big investment, but there’s often funding available to help you. UCAS does not arrange student finance, but we can give you information and advice about funding and support to help point you in the right direction.
- Tuition fee and maintenance loans – you can apply for a student loan to cover your tuition fees and living costs. Find out more from Student Finance England.
- Extra student funding – if you have dependents, you could access further funding to support your teacher training, such as Parents' Learning Allowances, Childcare Grants, or Child Tax Credits. The student finance calculator from Student Finance England allows you to estimate the level of funding that may be available.
- Disabled students and care leavers – universities and colleges have different ways of supporting you in higher education. Check if you are entitled to additional support and funding.
Applications and entry requirements
You must have achieved the following minimum requirements to be eligible to apply for undergraduate Early Years Initial Teacher Training programmes:
- You’ll need to have achieved a standard equivalent to grade C/4, or above, in the GCSE examinations in English and mathematics.
- You must also have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade C/4, or above, in a GCSE science subject examination.
- You must also meet some non-academic requirements, including a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, and declaration of criminal convictions.
Applications to Early Years Initial Teacher Training programmes are made directly to accredited providers. Check the provider’s website for specific course information, tuitions fees, and entry requirements.
Apply directly via accredited providers
Explore your options
All undergraduate and non-graduate Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programmes will qualify you to be a teacher, but there are differing levels of qualifications that can be achieved. Find out more about university and college-led teacher training routes in England.