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This undergraduate route is for those wanting to teach Early Years Foundation Stage. You can apply for a degree in an early childhood-related subject to graduate with Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS). EYTS allows you to specialise in working with children up to five years old only. Courses take between three to four years to complete.
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.


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:

  1. You’ll need to have achieved a standard equivalent to grade C/4, or above, in the GCSE examinations in English and mathematics.
  2. You must also have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade C/4, or above, in a GCSE science subject examination.
  3. 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.