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Shape young lives. Lead early learning.

Early Years Initial Teacher Training

We are pleased to announce a NEW funded training EYITT programme for graduates.

Gain an Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) in just 12 months while you work. This fully funded programme allows individuals to train on the job while building the specialist skills needed to lead high-quality early education.

Starting September 2026 - Limited places available, so apply now to secure a place. 

Delivered in conjunction with Best Practice Network.

Apply Now
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN | SECURE EARLY BIRD PLACE BY 1 MARCH 2026.
Fully funded
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eyitt-icons
£5,000
Bursary Available
duration
Course Duration
Up to 12 months
teacher-status
Gain Early Years
Teacher Status
live-sessions
Eight Live
Training Days
online-training
Online Training and Setting Placements
bonus
£7,000
Employer Bonus

What is Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT)?

The Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) is a one-year programme, fully funded by the Department for Education (DfE), open to graduates from all fields of study.

Upon completing the EYITT, participants earn the Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS), qualifying them as certified early years teachers.

This EYTS certification enables practitioners to work with children from birth to five years in a range of early years settings, such as private nurseries, children’s centres, and reception classes within academies and independent schools.

Apply Now
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Why choose EYITT?

EYITT leads to Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) - a nationally recognised professional status designed specifically for those working with young children.

This programme is ideal if you:

  • Are passionate about working with children aged 0–5
  • Want to lead high-quality practice in early years settings
  • Believe in learning through play, relationships and exploration
  • Want to make a lasting difference at the very start of a child’s learning journey

Early Years Teachers play a vital role in raising standards, supporting wellbeing, and shaping positive outcomes for children and families.

Who can do EYITT?

This route is available to graduates who wish to or are currently working in an early year setting or wish to work. Other entry requirements include:
UK Degree
A UK degree or equivalent qualification
GCSEs
Grade C/4 or above in English, Maths, and Science
Right to Work
Right to work and study in the England (with 3+ years residency)
English Skills
Strong written and spoken English skills

Learner Benefits

✔ Achieve Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) in 12 months

 ✔ Receive bursary of up to £5,000
✔ Build specialist knowledge in early learning and child development

✔ Increase your job prospects with a recognised early years qualification

Employer Benefits

✔ £7,000 employer incentive

✔ A more skilled, knowledgeable staff member

✔ Improved quality of teaching practice across the setting

✔ Trainees count towards staff–child ratios while training

"Completing my Early Years Initial Teacher Training remains one of my greatest achievements. I found the course to be challenging yet inspiring."

Charlotte Reynolds | EYITT Graduate

What will you learn?

The Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) programme is structured to deepen trainees' understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and help them make connections across different phases of education, to understand the EYFS and beyond. Over the course, trainees develop subject knowledge, professional skills, and essential behaviours as they progress towards becoming Early Years Teachers.

 

Below is a list of topics covered during the training days:

  • Training Day 1: The Effective Early Years Teacher
  • Training Day 2: Adapting Teaching for the Unique Child
  • Training Day 3: Starting Strong
  • Training Day 4: Foundations for Success
  • Training Day 5: Leading and Supporting in the Early Years
  • Training Day 6: Promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
  • Training Day 7: Unlocking Potential and Widening Opportunities
  • Training Day 8: The Reflective Early Years Teacher
  • Final Interview: EYTS recommendation
How is Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) delivered?

The full-time route trainees choose between eight virtual or Face-to-Face training days, participate in 5 online workshops, engage in self-paced online study and gain extra experience through placements in another setting.

  • Training days: trainees attend up to two live online or locally facilitated training days each month
  • Placements in another setting: typically lasting 25-30 days, placements allow trainees to gain experience working with all early years age groups, including reception
  • Self-paced online study: designed to build knowledge between live sessions
  • Regular enhancement webinars: additional learning opportunities to support your development
  • Personal tutor: a dedicated tutor will guide and support you throughout your EYITT journey
  • Mentor and lead trainer: assigned within your placement setting to provide additional support and guidance
  • Assessment: involves gradually building an ePortfolio, developing evidence and action plans, writing assignments, and maintaining observation records

Ready to become a qualified Early Years teacher?

Answer these questions to start your application for Early Years Initial Teacher Training!

ANSWER ELIGIBILITY QUESTION →
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