What is Early Years Teacher Status?
Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) is a professional accreditation in the UK for individuals specialising in teaching and caring for children aged 0 to 5 years. It is designed to ensure high standards in early childhood education and recognises professionals who have demonstrated the skills and knowledge required to deliver quality early years education.
Although EYTS is similar in stature to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in terms of professional recognition, it focuses exclusively on early childhood education and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
What Does an Early Years Teacher Do?
An Early Years Teacher:
- Promotes Learning and Development: Uses tailored teaching techniques to support young children’s cognitive, physical, emotional, and social development.
- Implements the EYFS Framework: Plans and delivers activities that meet the specific learning goals outlined in the EYFS curriculum.
- Supports Families: Works with parents and carers to enhance children’s learning experiences at home.
- Leads Practice: Acts as a role model and mentor for other staff in early years settings, promoting best practices and high standards.
- Safeguards Children: Ensures that all children are safe, secure, and thriving within the learning environment.
How to Achieve EYTS
Here are a few easy steps to follow to get you where you need to be:
- Meet the Requirements: You usually need a degree (like a bachelor’s) and some professional/personal experience working with young children. You will also usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science.
- Choose a Training Route: There are a few ways to train – Graduate Entry: Complete an Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) programme, which can be done through universities or training providers. Assessment-Only Route: If you already have significant experience, you might qualify to be assessed directly without additional training.
- Apply for a Course: Find a course that offers EYITT and apply. Make sure it’s accredited.
- Complete the Training: During your course, you’ll learn about child development, play, and how to support young learners in their early years.
- Pass Assessments: You’ll need to demonstrate your skills through observations and assessments during your training.
- Apply for EYTS: Once you’ve successfully completed your training and met all requirements, you can apply for your Early Years Teacher Status.
- Receive Your Status: If everything is in order, you’ll be awarded EYTS!
Benefits of Achieving EYTS
EYTS enhances your skills, recognition, and career opportunities. Some key benefits include:
- Expertise: Gain advanced knowledge of early childhood development and teaching methods.
- Career Progression: Open doors to leadership roles in nurseries, early years settings, and children’s centres.
- Impact: Play a critical role in shaping children’s futures during their most formative years.
- Collaboration: Work with multi-agency teams, including health professionals and social workers, to support children and families.
- Recognition: EYTS is widely respected as a mark of quality and professionalism in early years education.
Career Opportunities with EYTS
EYTS can lead to a variety of roles, including:
- Early Years Teacher: Leading learning in nurseries, preschools, or reception classes.
- Nursery Manager or Leader: Overseeing operations in early years settings.
- SEN Specialist: Supporting children with special educational needs.
- Trainer or Consultant: Advising on best practices in early years education.
- Ofsted Inspector: Evaluating and improving early years provisions.