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Early Years Teacher Birth to 5 leading to Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) PGCE at Kingston University - UCAS

Kingston University

Degree level: Postgraduate

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

Course options

2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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Course summary

Reasons to choose Kingston

  • You will gain Early Years Teacher Status in one year.
  • This course is fully funded by government. Your employer will also have funding to enable you to attend classes and placements.
  • You will be fully supported by a University Tutor and a Setting Based Mentor.
About this course This employment based course provides intensive specialist training covering babies, toddlers and preschool children to become an early years teacher in one year, with Early Years Teacher Status. This course will enable you to become an effective, inclusive and evidence-informed teacher. At the heart of our course is a commitment to personalising your journey to Early Years Teacher Status. We'll help you to grow in confidence and competence by providing you with outstanding support as you train. You will study Aspects of Early Years Foundation Stage Framework curriculum and teaching and learning methods based on the latest research. Topics include safeguarding, early literacy and maths, personalised progress, forest school and special educational needs and disability. Sessions are for one full day a week, usually a Friday. You'll find a supportive learning environment at the University. This will help you develop a deep understanding of the early years curriculum and acquire a range of teaching methods, based upon the latest research in education. We model good teaching as we train you, so you can transfer what you've experienced into your own practice. You will benefit from an additional contrasting placement which will provide you with a breadth of experience in schools, private, voluntary and independent early years sector. Placements are in an Early Years setting (minimum 10 days, which will be extended to minimum 20 days depending on prior experience across the age ranges of birth to five years) and four days in Key Stage 1 school experience. You'll also benefit from a course that supports you in becoming a research-engaged teacher, who can use evidence to drive improvements in children's learning and wellbeing. Your PGCE modules form part of our Master of Research in Education, which you can continue with beyond your PGCE year. Example modules
  • The Reflective Teacher
  • Perspectives on Policy, Practice and Professionalism for Teachers
  • Professional Practice
For a full list of modules please visit the Kingston University course webpage. Career opportunities Roles include early years teaching, management, and running an early years setting. The course can lead to a masters: credits from PGCE modules form one-third of our Education MRes.

Modules

Example modules: Professional Practice; The Reflective Teacher; Perspectives on Policy, Practice and Professionalism for Teachers. For a full list of modules please visit the Kingston University course webpage.

Assessment method

Assessment typically comprises of a professional development portfolio, assignments and observation of your teaching ability whilst on placement. You will produce a portfolio of work to evidence how your practice meets the Early Years Teachers' Standards. You will receive regular feedback with targets that enable you to grow in confidence and ability. Your portfolio and teaching observations will be used as a key part of the decision to recommend you for Early Years Teacher Status. The university liaison tutor will carry out six visits over the year to assess your teaching practice and evidence of meeting the Teachers' Standards (Early Years).

Entry requirements

A 2:2 honours degree from a UK higher education institution or equivalent overseas qualification. GCSE grade 4 or above (C or above for examinations taken prior to 2017) in English, mathematics and one science subject. If you do not meet the GCSE requirement in any of these subjects, we are happy for you to take your tests externally via ET Equivalency Testing or A Star Equivalency. Trainees must be employed in an appropriate early years setting for at least 16 hours per week. Trainees must be working at settings that deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage in order to be funded. Sufficient employed experience, knowledge and understanding of early years practice working within the Early Years Foundation Stage. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service and Health checking process identifies no concerns about suitability to teach. DBS is current for the duration of the programme. Trainees must prove that they meet all the following entry requirements before the start of the programme. All overseas qualifications must be accompanied by NARIC equivalence. All trainees must be UK based and have the right work and study in the UK for at least the duration of their pathway. If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to attend an online interview via Microsoft Teams. At the end of the interview, you will be required to complete a timed literacy task and further details will be shared with you on the day.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

This is a free course.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Tuition fees are fully funded by the Department for Education. There is an incentive for employers towards cover release/other costs – currently £7,000.
Early Years Teacher Birth to 5 leading to Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) PGCE at Kingston University - UCAS