Postgraduate Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT)

Postgraduate Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) programmes are available via university or school-led training routes – all lead to Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) on successful completion.

• 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.
• Depending on your qualifications and experience, you can follow either a one year full-time programme, a part-time employment-based programme, or a self-funded Assessment Only route to Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS).
• 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).

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.

• Training grants and bursaries – graduate tax-free grants and bursaries are available. The level of funding and eligibility will vary depending on your degree classification.
• Salaried training – one year, part-time, employment-based training programmes are available for graduates working in early years settings who need further training to demonstrate the early years Teachers’ Standards.
• Tuition fee and maintenance loans – if you’re looking to train on a non-salaried programme, and you’re not eligible to receive a bursary or grant, you can still apply for a student loan to cover your training programme 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 Early Years Initial Teacher Training programmes:

1. You'll need to hold an undergraduate degree awarded by a UK higher education provider, or a recognised equivalent qualification.
2. You’ll need to have achieved a standard equivalent to grade C/4, or above, in the GCSE examinations in English and mathematics.
3. As with primary level, you must also have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade C/4, or above, in a GCSE science subject examination.
4. 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