Early years teaching

Early Years teachers support children’s development from birth to age 5. You’ll help children learn through play and structured activities, following the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. Teaching takes place in settings like nurseries, preschools and reception classes.

As an Early Years teacher, you'll support children’s learning, communication and social skills, and prepare them for primary school.

Skills you need to be an Early Years teacher

If you're considering a career in Early Years Teaching, you'll need:

strong communication and planning skills
creativity and enthusiasm to engage young children
the ability to work well with others
an understanding of child development
awareness of safeguarding and pastoral care

We also recommend staying up-to-date with curriculum changes and best practices.

Gain experience

Before applying to train, it’s essential to get experience working with young children in a setting that enhances their skills and knowledge around literacy, language, numeracy and planning educational activities.

You can gain experience through a range of opportunities, including:

volunteering in a nursery, playgroup or school
supporting children's activities in libraries or community centres
helping families through organisations like Home-Start

Find opportunities

You can search for volunteering and part-time roles through your MyCareer account or contact the Volunteering Team at volunteering@port.ac.uk.

National websites to search for experience:

Do IT – the UK’s national volunteering database
Daynurseries.co.uk – nursery-based vacancies

Training routes and funding

To train as an Early Years Teacher, you’ll need:

a degree
GCSE grade C/4 (or equivalent) in English, maths and science

You must complete Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) and meet the Teachers’ Standards for Early Years. EYITT leads to Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS), not Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which is required to lead teaching and learning in maintained schools.

How to gain Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS)

Undergraduate degree

3–4 year full-time degree in an early childhood subject
Tuition and maintenance loans are available from Student Finance

Graduate entry

1-year full-time course
£7,000 training grant for course fees from the Department for Education.
Bursaries available for high-achieving applicants

Graduate employment-based

Available to graduates who are in paid employment in an early years environment
1-year course while working in an early years setting
£7,000 training grant and £7,000 employer incentive

Assessment Only

For experienced graduates who meet the Teachers’ Standards without additional training
Self-funded route

You can find accredited course providers on the Department for Education website.

Studying at Portsmouth?

We offer a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies, with an option to gain EYTS.

Explore other postgraduate courses via Prospects.

How to apply

Application processes vary by route however, most require a personal statement about your interest and suitability.You can find information about writing a personal statement in our online guide.

Need help with your application?

We can support you with personal statements, applications and interviews. To chat to the team, contact careers@port.ac.uk or book an appointment through MyCareer.

Finding a job

Once qualified, there are lots of places to find early years teaching jobs:

Explore more in the Teaching Career Guide

Getting into primary school teaching

Getting into secondary school teaching

Getting into further education teaching

Increase your chances of getting into your chosen career in teaching by following our guide to getting experience & finding a job.