EYITT Route Summary - Graduate Entry

The following training route summary sets out what you can expect from the Graduate Entry Mainstream training route to Early Years Teacher Status. The information provided below is not intended to be exhaustive but gives you an outline of what you can expect and what will be expected of you.

Duration and commitment

• The course duration is 12 months full time
• You need to be available on a full-time basis
• The EYITT programme must be your main priority

Content

The content is ‘needs led’, and builds on existing strengths:

• Knowledge of Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
• The Teachers’ Standards (Early Years) 
• The birth to five age range
• Progression to Key Stage 1
• Ongoing review and formative assessment

Training days and meetings

• Training days normally once or twice a month
• Smaller group meetings 
• Progress meetings within the setting/school with your tutor/mentor

Support

• A personal tutor who will visit and observe you in each placement 
• A setting/school-based mentor for day to day support and feedback
• A Best Practice Network placement co-ordinator to liaise with you and arrange suitable placements
• A virtual learning environment - e-learning modules, a resource bank and forums

Placements

• Placements must be undertaken that total 120 days
• In settings or schools across the birth to five age range
• Normally three block placements in a range of early years settings/schools, including at least one serving a more disadvantaged community
• A 10-day placement within Key Stage 1 (5-7 year olds) 
• 3-4 days a week, sometimes 5
• You may need to be in settings in the early morning or late afternoon - to gain a balanced experience
• You will not arrange the placements yourself

Assessment

• An e-portfolio that you build up gradually
• Formative assessment from the setting/school and your personal tutor
• Evidence bundles - evidence demonstrating your impact child’s learning over a period of time
• Action plans - reviewed and updated at mid-point and finish of each placement
• Assignments - can be built up during the programme, demonstrating the Teachers’ Standards
• Observation records - from the settings/schools and your personal tutor
• Moderation of assessment judgements 

Funding

• Fees paid by NCTL
• Bursary for 1st class, 2:1 and 2:2 degree holders (£5,000 for a first, £4,000 for a 2:1, £2,000 for a 2:2) 

Key Features of the Graduate Entry Route

1. Fully funded by the National College for Teaching and Leadership
2. Bursary for 1st class, 2:1 and 2:2 degree holders (£5,000 / £4,000/ £2,000) 
3. Completed over 12 months, full-time
4. 120 days placement across birth to five age range 
5. Training days, normally once a month
6. Assignments and an e-portfolio over the 12 months as part of your assessment
7. A personal tutor to support you