Early Years Teacher Birth to 5 leading to Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) PGCE Postgraduate Certificate in Education - PGCE

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.