Natasha Grover - an Early Years Initial Teacher Training Graduate - learner story

Natasha Grover: How EYITT Enhanced Her Confidence and Leadership in Early Years Education

A Senior Educator with EYTS at N Family Club - Cobham Nursery and a winner of the BPN Overcoming Challenges Award

Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) is a fully funded 12-month programme designed to develop skilled early years educators. It enhances confidence, leadership abilities, and pedagogical understanding. Natasha, a dedicated early years professional, shares how completing the EYITT programme through Best Practice Network shaped her career, strengthened her confidence, and expanded her professional capabilities.

Growing Confidence and Leadership Skills

With nine years of experience in early years education, Natasha works as a senior educator in the pre-school room of her nursery setting. The EYITT programme significantly boosted her confidence and leadership skills, enabling her to take on a more active role in supporting children’s learning and development, making a tangible impact within her setting.

Having already completed an Early Years degree, Natasha sought to build on her expertise. She saw EYITT as an opportunity to develop further as a leader and implement fresh ideas in her practice. This professional growth strengthened both her own skills and the overall quality of education in her setting.

Supportive Learning and Practical Training

A key benefit of the EYITT programme was the support network. Natasha found the guidance from her personal tutor at Best Practice Network invaluable. Their mentorship helped her navigate challenges and stay on track.

The Face-to-Face training days provided engaging and informative sessions on topics such as early reading and maths, equipping Natasha with practical strategies to implement in her setting. These days also allowed her to connect with fellow trainees, exchange knowledge, and gain insights from a variety of early years settings.

In addition to in-person training, the Canvas learning platform was an essential resource, offering supplementary materials that supported Natasha’s learning and school placement preparation. The combination of structured training, peer collaboration, and accessible online resources helped her develop a strong understanding of key areas in early years education.

Making a Lasting Impact in the Setting

The EYITT programme also helped Natasha take on a leadership role in supporting her colleagues, enhancing their practice, and gaining new skills to support future EYITT trainees. She is now focusing on developing a school readiness programme for the pre-school room, ensuring children are well-prepared for their transition to primary education.

A Supportive and Rewarding Experience with Best Practice Network

Natasha praises Best Practice Network for exceptional support and training delivery. She found the EYITT team understanding and encouraging, helping her overcome challenges throughout the course. The combination of high-quality training, strong mentorship, and collaborative learning opportunities made the experience both enriching and transformative.

A Message to Future EYITT Candidates

For those considering EYITT, Natasha offers this advice: “Go for it! The course comes with challenges, but it is incredibly rewarding. It equips you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to become a capable and knowledgeable early years teacher. The impact you can make on children’s learning and development is truly worth it.”

Natasha's success underscores the value of EYITT in building confident, capable educators who are equipped to lead, innovate, and inspire in the early years sector. Through structured training, robust support, and hands-on learning, EYITT empowers educators to make a lasting difference in early childhood education.