Programme Overview
What is EYITT?
Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) is a one-year programme for graduates that leads to Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS), preparing you to teach and lead learning for children from birth to five across a range of early years settings. Best Practice Network
What will I learn on the full-time route?
The programme deepens your understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and develops subject knowledge, professional skills and reflective practice through themed training days culminating in a final interview for EYTS recommendation. Best Practice Network
How long does the full-time route take?
The full-time Graduate Entry route typically takes up to 12 months from start to completion. Best Practice Network
Eligibility & Entry
Who should apply for this route?
This full-time route is designed for graduates who want to specialise in early childhood development and work with children from birth to five in early years settings. Best Practice Network
Residency
What are the entry requirements?
Applicants need a bachelor’s degree in any subject, GCSEs at grade C/4 or above (or recognised equivalents) in English, maths and science, the right to study and work in the UK, and competence in spoken and written English. Best Practice Network
Do you accept GCSE equivalency tests?
Yes—recognised GCSE equivalency exams in English, mathematics and science are accepted to meet the entry requirements. Best Practice Network
Placements & Training Structure
What placements are required on the full-time route?
Graduate Entry trainees complete 120 placement days across at least two settings, including 20 days in a reception class and a 5-day Key Stage 1 & 2 placement in a school to broaden classroom experience. Best Practice Network
Where do training sessions take place and how often?
Is the full-time route truly full time and what commitment is needed?
Yes—the Graduate Entry route requires full-time availability, including 120 full placement days, which usually means four days a week (sometimes five) in placement alongside scheduled training. Best Practice Network
Do I need experience in Key Stage 1/2 as part of the programme?
A minimum engagement with Key Stage 1 & 2 is required to understand curriculum expectations beyond the early years, achieved through study and time spent in school. Best Practice Network
I currently volunteer with children under five—should I choose the full-time or employment-based route?
The employment-based route is for those in paid roles; volunteers who are not employed in a setting should consider the full-time Graduate Entry route. Best Practice Network
Employment & Professional Status
What status will I gain and where can I work with it?
Successful completion awards Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS), enabling work with children from birth to five in settings such as private nurseries, children’s centres, and reception classes within academies and independent schools. Best Practice Network
Can Early Years Teachers lead classes in maintained schools?
EYTS holders may work in maintained settings but, to lead classes in maintained nursery or primary schools, you must also hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or a suitable recognised international teaching qualification. Best Practice Network
What’s the difference between EYTS and QTS?
EYTS recognises specialist expertise for birth-to-five practice but does not confer QTS, whereas QTS is the professional status required to teach as a qualified teacher in state-funded schools in England across the primary age range. Best Practice Network
Is there a set pay scale for Early Years Teachers?
There is no national pay scale specifically for EYTS; pay and conditions are set by individual employers and settings. Best Practice Network
Where can EYTS teachers lead teaching?
EYTS practitioners can lead teaching in private, voluntary and independent (PVI) early years settings and may work in free schools, academies and independent schools, which aren’t required to employ only QTS-qualified staff. Best Practice Network