Early Years Teacher Birth to 5 leading to Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) PGCE

Program Overview

This fully-funded PGCE program prepares individuals to become Early Years Teachers in one year, leading to Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS). It emphasizes effective teaching practices, personalization, and research engagement. Graduates are equipped for roles in early years teaching, management, and pursuing further studies.

Program Outline

This is a fully-funded, employment-based postgraduate course designed to equip individuals with the specialist training required to become an Early Years Teacher in a one-year timeframe, leading to Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS).

• Objectives: The course aims to develop effective, inclusive, and evidence-informed teachers who can confidently and competently apply their knowledge in the early years.
• Program Description: Students will gain a deep understanding of the early years curriculum and acquire various teaching methods based on the latest research in education.
The course includes a contrasting placement in addition to the main placement, providing a broader experience across different early years settings, including schools, private, voluntary, and independent organizations. The program encourages research engagement, enabling teachers to use evidence to improve children's learning and well-being. It also offers the option to continue studies towards a Master of Research in Education after the PGCE year.

Outline:

• Content: The program covers the Early Years curriculum and teaching methods grounded in current research.
Topics include safeguarding, early literacy and mathematics, forest school, special educational needs and disability (SEND), and personalized learning support.
• Structure:
• Placements:
• Main Setting:
Minimum 10 days, potentially extended to 20 days based on the age range experience in the employed setting.
• Key Stage 1 School: Experience in a Key Stage 1 school setting.
• Modules:
• Professional Practice:
(Non-credit bearing) Focuses on developing teaching, assessment, and professional responsibilities within the chosen educational phase. The module involves university lectures, seminars, online learning, and hands-on practice in schools and settings. Students explore factors affecting child development, analyze issues relevant to their practice, and develop critical reflection and reflexive skills. This module also involves reflective journaling and discussions within a learning community. Students evaluate their professional identity, examine relevant values, and critically analyze debates related to inclusive teaching and learning, along with legislative frameworks and codes of practice.

Assessment:

Teaching:

• Methods: University sessions are led by highly-rated lecturers and visiting lecturers with successful teaching careers.
• Faculty: The course is delivered by experienced early years staff who are also active researchers.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates are prepared for roles in early years teaching, management, and running early years settings.
The course also provides a foundation for pursuing a Masters degree.
• Opportunities:
• Teaching Roles:
Class Teacher, Room Leader, SENCo, Child Protection Officer, Health and Safety Officer.
• Management Roles: Senior Management, EYFS Coordinator, Deputy Manager, Manager, Regional and Local Managers.