PGCE Early Years 0-5 (EYTS)

The course leads to a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCE) Early Years 0-5 and the professional status, Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS). The PGCE Early Years 0-5 (EYTS) is designed to prepare trainee Early Years Teachers (EYTs) for a rewarding career in education, teaching children from birth to five years. This qualification is designed for highly qualified staff to lead on delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage framework (EYFS) in the early years' sector. The course leads to a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCE) Early Years 0-5 and the professional status, Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS). This is different from Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which is the equivalent for teaching children aged three to 18. QTS is not awarded as part of this course. The course will support you to develop as a reflective teacher working within the early years sector. By studying theory and reflecting on your practice, you'll gain a deeper understanding of child development and playful learning with specific reference to the EYFS curriculum. We'll consider children's engagement with core skills such as personal, social and emotional development, communication and language and physical development in a wider political context. The course is embedded in practice and is designed around a set of key principles based on promoting active learning and stimulating integration, exploration and innovation. Graduate direct entry route (full-time): This route is suitable if you have a degree (in any subject but not a foundation degree) or equivalent. While no previous experience is required, it would be an advantage if you can evidence having some work experience, with children of a relevant age. The course is 12 months full-time with three, six-week block placements, in baby, toddler and pre-school age phases, plus a two-week placement in a KS1 classroom of a primary school. Graduate employment-based route (part-time): This 12-month part-time route is for graduates who are currently employed in an early years' setting who wish to qualify as an EYT whilst continuing to work in practice. Professional accreditation: Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) is awarded and accredited by the Department for Education (DfE).

For both routes, you should typically meet the following criteria:

• An undergraduate degree, or a recognised equivalent qualification at 2:2 or above.
• GCSE grade C/4 in English, Mathematics and Science, or equivalent. Candidates with pending GCSEs will be considered. We'll consider candidates who need to take a GCSE equivalency test. We do not accept Level 2 Key Skills, Functional Skills or Certificates in Adult Numeracy and Literacy as alternatives to GCSEs. Where applicants have achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above in English Literature only, we'll look for further evidence of achievement in English.

Additional requirements (as mandated by the DfE)

• Health checks for Fitness to Teach
• A clear Enhanced DBS Disclosure including check of children's barred list
• Satisfactory references including one from latest employer and/or latest role involving working with children
• Verification of identity and right to work in the UK
• Check for sanction, restriction or prohibition on teaching issued by the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) (if in teaching role)
• Overseas Criminal Record check, if you've lived, studied or worked overseas for five months or more in the last five years.

The university will also check that candidates are not:

• subject to a prohibition order issued by the Secretary of State
• disqualified from childcare;
• or have obtained a childcare disqualification waiver from Ofsted.