Early Years Teacher Status

Find out what an early years teacher is, where they can work and what you need to do to get Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS).

Early years teachers are specialists in early childhood development, trained to work with children from birth up to the age of 5. They use their knowledge and skills to help young children enjoy high quality early education.

Where you can work with EYTS

Early years teachers work in a range of early years settings, including day nurseries, independent nursery schools, preschools, playgroups and maintained nurseries. You can also work as a childminder.

If you wish to teach in a primary school, including in reception, you will need to get Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

How to achieve EYTS

There are 4 ways you can be awarded EYTS and work as an early years teacher. To achieve EYTS via a graduate route, you will need to complete Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT). To be eligible for EYITT you must meet the following Department for Education (DfE) requirements:

  • GCSE Grade C or 4 and above (or recognised equivalent) in English, maths and science - equivalency exams are accepted if you do not have GCSEs
  • a bachelor's degree in any area of study
  • right to study and work in the UK
  • competence in spoken and written English

Graduate employment-based route

If you are a graduate, you can study part-time whilst continuing to work in your early years and childcare setting. Training is usually up to 12 months and is funded by the DfE, which currently includes an employer incentive. To find out more view the early years initial teacher training: 2024 to 2025 funding guidance.

Graduate entry route

If you are a graduate, you can also complete EYITT by studying full-time. If you have a first-class honours degree or a doctoral degree, a 2:1 honours degree or masters degree or a 2:2 honours degree, you may be eligible to claim a bursary. To find out more view the early years initial teacher training: 2024 to 2025 funding guidance.

Assessment route

This route is for very experienced practitioners who have a degree and can demonstrate the early years teachers' standards without any further training. There is not currently any funding for this route.

For more information on any of the above graduate routes contact an EYITT accredited training provider.

Undergraduate entry

This route is for those who have not got a degree and want to take an early childhood related degree that also awards EYTS. This is usually full-time and takes between 3 and 4 years to complete. There is not currently any funding for this route. For more information, visit UCAS undergraduate EYITT.

Find out more

For further options on how to become an early years teacher visit: