About the Programme
What is EYITT?
Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) is a programme for graduates that leads to Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS), qualifying you to teach and lead learning for children from birth to age five across settings such as private nurseries, children’s centres, and reception classes in academies and independent schools. Best Practice Network
How long does EYITT take and what does it lead to?
The programme runs for up to 12 months and on successful completion awards Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS), a specialist professional status focused on the birth-to-five phase. Best Practice Network
What will I learn on EYITT?
Training builds subject knowledge, professional skills, and behaviours with an emphasis on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and progression beyond it; themed training days include topics like adapting teaching for the unique child, foundations for success, inclusion, leadership in the early years, and reflective practice. Best Practice Network
How is EYITT delivered?
Delivery blends up to eight live training days (online or locally facilitated), self-paced online study between sessions, regular enhancement webinars, and placements in another setting—typically 25–30 days—to gain experience across the full early years age range including reception. Best Practice Network
Eligibility & Entry Requirements
Who should apply?
EYITT is for graduates who want to specialise in early childhood development and work with babies and children up to five; it suits graduate practitioners already employed in early years settings as well as graduates seeking to enter the sector. Best Practice Network
Residency
What are the entry requirements?
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree, GCSEs (or accepted equivalents) at grade C/4 or above in English, maths and science, the right to study and work in the UK, competence in spoken and written English, and must attend a suitability interview (typically held remotely). Best Practice Network
Are GCSE equivalency exams accepted?
Yes—recognised equivalency exams are accepted where you do not hold the required GCSEs, with details provided during application; Level 2 literacy or numeracy certificates are not accepted as GCSE equivalents. Best Practice Network
Can I start EYITT with a foundation degree?
No—EYTS is a graduate professional status, so you must have been awarded at least an ordinary bachelor’s degree before you can begin the programme. Best Practice Network
Is an ordinary degree acceptable?
Yes—an ordinary degree is acceptable and considered on a case-by-case basis alongside the other entry requirements and suitability to lead education and care for children from birth to five. Best Practice Network
What if I am currently studying for a degree?
If you are close to finishing your degree you can start the application process now. You must have completed your degree before the programme start date.
Do I need to show original GCSE certificates?
Yes—original certificates or a certified statement of results from the exam board are required; schools’ letters are not accepted as evidence, and the pre-certificate results slip is insufficient. Best Practice Network
Which GCSE subjects count for science and English?
For science, combined science or any of physics, chemistry or biology at grade C/4+ is acceptable; for English, you must have GCSE English Language or Literature. Best Practice Network
Placements, Delivery & Support
What placements will I complete?
To broaden experience, trainees complete a placement in another setting—typically 25–30 days—covering the full early years age range, including reception, alongside live training and online study. Best Practice Network
Do trainees count towards staffing ratios?
Yes—EYITT trainees count towards ratios in settings while training, helping you develop professionally without being supernumerary. Best Practice Network
What support will I receive during training?
You’ll be supported by an in-setting mentor and lead trainer, plus a personal tutor from Best Practice Network; tutors and the QA team may visit or meet remotely to monitor progress and ensure quality. Best Practice Network
What time should my setting allocate for training activities?
For employment-based trainees, settings should ensure no more than 90% of time is direct work with children, allowing at least 10% release time for planning, study, mentor meetings, assessments, and written tasks. Best Practice Network
Employment & Teaching Scope
Where can EYTS holders lead teaching?
Early Years Teachers can lead teaching in private, voluntary and independent (PVI) settings—the majority of the sector—and may also work in free schools, academies and independent schools which are able to employ teaching staff without requiring QTS. Best Practice Network
Can I lead a class in a maintained school with EYTS?
Those with EYTS can work in maintained settings, but leading classes in maintained nursery schools or nursery classes in maintained schools for children aged three and over requires QTS (or a suitable international teaching qualification), so EYTS alone does not permit leading such classes. Best Practice Network
What employment settings are possible after EYITT?
EYITT prepares you to specialise in early childhood development and lead education and care across a range of early years settings, with opportunities to develop expertise and progress into roles such as room lead or setting management. Best Practice Network
Is there a route to gain QTS if I want to teach older ages?
Yes—some ITT providers offer a Primary QTS route for ages 3–7, which may be the best option if you plan to work primarily with children aged three and over; guidance is available via official teacher training information. Best Practice Network
Applying
How do I apply?
Create an application account via the Apply button, complete the form and upload documents, and—if you meet eligibility criteria—attend a remote interview; decisions are typically made within three weeks, and successful applicants receive an electronic contract and welcome pack with next steps. Best Practice Network