Early Years Teacher Birth to 5 leading to Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) PGCE
Subject and course type
- Education and teaching
- Postgraduate
Kingston University’s Early Years Teacher PGCE course offers intensive specialist early years teacher training for working with babies, toddlers, and preschool children. This course is fully funded by the government.
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Transform your passion for early years education into a career
This course will enable you to become an Early Years teacher in one year.
Every teacher shapes young lives and minds. Early Years Teachers in particular can play a pivotal role in the development of their students, aged from birth to 5 years old.
The Early Years Teacher PGCE at Kingston University will explore the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, studying how young children learn and develop, using teaching methods based on the latest research.
Topics include safeguarding, early literacy and maths, professionalism, supporting emotional development and special educational needs and disability (SEND). Personalised support will help you with your study.
There are two pathways:
- Graduate Employment-based route: Part time route for people already employed within the early years sector.
- Graduate Entry Route: Full time with placement experience for graduates not currently working in the sector.
The lecturers are fully aware of the content of the course and have always been able to explain it to students thoroughly. They are very approachable and are always available to meet with students on a one-to-one.
Why choose this course
Kingston University has a strong track record in preparing skilled early years teachers for the sector. The course is designed to help you become an effective, inclusive, and evidence-informed early years teacher. Our course focuses on supporting you through your journey to Early Years Teacher Status, providing exceptional support to build your confidence and competence throughout your training programme.
Your University Tutors and Setting-Based Tutor will work together to help you become a research-engaged teacher. Pursue new job roles with confidence, equipped to use evidence to enhance children’s learning and wellbeing.
The course is delivered by experienced professionals at our Kingston Hill campus, which features excellent facilities. When studying, we recognise the importance of stepping away from your professional work. Our campus offers inspiring study locations, including the Nightingale Centre, a modern library with extended hours, a café, and zoned study areas.
You’ll also have access to a wealth of specialist education resources, including books, journals, and online materials. As well as computers and our innovative virtual learning platform, Canvas.
This PGCE is accredited by the Department for Education (DfE) for the purpose of delivering early years initial teacher training programmes to achieve Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS).
Course content
You will develop your knowledge and understanding of early years pedagogy, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, exploring professionalism and key issues with the early years sector.
For those employed in the sector, the Graduate Employment Route sessions are for one full day a week, usually a Friday. Placements are in an Early Years setting (minimum 10 days, which may be extended to minimum 20 days depending on the age-range experience in your employed setting) and a Key Stage 1 school experience. You will be fully supported by setting tutors and university tutors.
The full-time Graduate Entry Route includes a minimum of 120 days teaching experience within the early years sector. You’ll work alongside experienced teachers, develop your professional skills and take increasing responsibility for supporting children’s learning.
Your main placements will be in two different early years settings to give you experience of different settings. Most of our partner settings are within 25km of Kingston University, but we also have partners across Surrey, Hampshire and other London boroughs.
When you’re not putting your skills into practice in an early years setting, you’ll be taught by experienced professionals at our Kingston Hill campus.
Modules
Core modules
30 credits
This module enables you to locate yourself as an emerging professional within wider discourses about teaching as a profession. It allows you to evaluate your own identity as a professional and reflect on the values that you and the wider profession hold. You will critically analyse discussions and debates which affect classroom practice. These debates will focus on specific areas to exemplify wider issues in education. The focus of these discussions will be on inclusive teaching and learning and the legislative frameworks which provide codes of practice.
A key focus of the module is to develop your ability to make sense of education research and to apply this in the context of your school or setting.
30 credits
This module is designed to facilitate your development as a knowledgeable, skilful and researched informed reflexive teacher. Reflexive teaching is a values-based process. In this module you will develop a deep understanding of the critical importance of reflection in becoming an effective teacher; using this as a lens through which you explore the process of reflexive teaching relevant to your chosen pathway.
A major element of the module includes two school/setting placements in which you will progressively apply your knowledge and skills throughout increasing exposure to all aspects of teaching, learning and wider professional responsibilities. If you have successfully met the requirements of the Teachers’ Standards or Early Years Teachers’ Standards in your final placement, you will be recommended for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS).
Career opportunities
This course opens the door to a variety of career options. These include roles in early years teaching, management, and running an early years setting. This course also lays the groundwork for further academic progression which can lead to a masters degree.
Graduates leave Kingston with Early Years Teacher Status. Many have gone on to pursue a range of related careers, in roles like:
- Room Leader
- SENCo
- Child Protection Officer
- Health and Safety Officer
- Senior Management
- EYFS Coordinator
- Deputy Manager
- Manager
- Regional and Local Managers
Other graduates seek roles beyond traditional Early Years teaching. Equipped with your PGCE, you may seek to become:
- Early Years Advisor
- FE Lecturer
- HE Lecturer
- Consultant
- Ofsted Inspector
- Advisory Boards
- International Positions
You can use credit from your PGCE towards our Education MA, which you can choose to pursue further after your PGCE year.
The course has provided me with the knowledge, skills and confidence to find a new post with better conditions of employment. This in turn has immensely affected my quality of life in a very positive way.
Teaching and assessment
University sessions are led by highly-rated lecturers and visiting lecturers who have all had successful teaching careers. The taught sessions are a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops and peer discussions.
When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking and preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS – the online virtual learning platform.
As a student at Kingston University, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services.
You will have reflective tasks to complete to support your development as an early years teacher. You will gather evidence from your placement experiences about how you meet the Teachers' Standards (Early Years).
Assessment typically comprises a professional development portfolio, assignments and observation of your teaching ability whilst on placement.
You will produce a portfolio of work to evidence how your practice meets the Teachers' Standards (Early Years). You will receive regular feedback with targets that enable you to grow in confidence and ability. Your portfolio and teaching observations will be used as a key part of the decision to recommend you for Early Years Teacher Status.
The Kingston Lead Tutor will carry out at least two Quality Assurance visits over the year to assess your teaching practice. They will liaise with your setting-based tutor on your progress and teaching, reviewing your practice evidence in meeting the Teachers' Standards (Early Years).
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
Graduate Employment route sessions are for one full day a week, usually a Friday.
Graduate Entry route sessions are between Monday and Friday, 9am to 4pm. During your setting experience placements this will vary.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for home students are fully funded by the Department for Education.
There is also an employer incentive (currently £7,000) to support release time and other associated costs, subject to Department for Education guidance.
International students will be charged the applicable PGCE international tuition fee. They may be eligible for a Department for Education bursary contribution equivalent to the Home fee towards this cost, with any remaining balance payable by the student.
The standard Kingston University PGCE fee rates for 2026/27 are £9,790 for Home students, £19,200 for International students.
- Tuition fees are fully funded by the Department for Education.
- There is an incentive for employers towards cover release/other costs – currently £7,000.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Kingston University will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
You will need to cover the costs of travel to and from placements. These can vary depending on your location and mode of transport.
The Placement Team works hard to find you a placement close to where you are living during the term time. However, please note the Kingston Hill campus is generally viewed as the base and a placement could be up to a two-hour commute from this point.
Courses involving placements or direct work with vulnerable groups may require a DBS check or other security checks.
Training bursaries for PGCE EYTS Graduate Entry Route
The Department for Education provides bursaries via the University for trainees on the full-time graduate entry route of up to £5,000 per year, depending on your undergraduate degree classification. This is paid in ten monthly instalments throughout the year.
Read more about these bursaries on the government's website.
Employer support (graduate employment-based route)
Employers can help their staff develop, with the EYTS Graduate Employment-Based Route. The course is one day per week on campus (Fridays), and there is an incentive for employers towards cover release/other costs – currently £7,000.
This incentive supports employers to release their employee for the Friday University sessions and alternative setting experience. The financial support is paid directly to the employer in monthly instalments. It contributes towards costs that the employer may incur, such as:
- supply cover while the trainee is attending EYITT training
- salary enhancements
- employment costs
- National Insurance
- additional training costs and other overheads.
How to apply
Before you apply
Please read the entry criteria carefully to make sure you meet all requirements before applying.
How to apply online
Use the course selector drop-down at the top of this page to choose your preferred course, start date and mode, then click 'Apply now'. You will be taken to our Online Student Information System (OSIS) where you will complete your application.
If you’re starting a new application, you’ll need to select ‘new user’ and set up a username and password. This will allow you to save and return to your application.
Application deadlines
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications will close when the course is full.
Information required to confirm your place
If English is not your first language, we will require proof of your proficiency to allow us to confirm your place on the course. This will generally be either an IELTS or TOEFL test certificate, which can be forwarded to us after you have submitted your application. If you do not hold a formal English language qualification, please indicate how you have acquired your proficiency in written and spoken English.
After you have applied
For courses that select on application alone, applicants should normally receive an initial decision or a request for more information within four to six weeks of receipt of their application. Our admissions team will notify you of the decision by email.
Learn more about the postgraduate application process in detail.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
What our students and graduates say
I wanted to further my knowledge and skills to become an early years teacher, as I have always been so passionate about supporting children's learning and development. This PGCE EYITT with Early Years Teacher Status was perfect! As a qualified Early Years Teacher, I feel I can make a significant contribution to the development and well-being of young children, helping them to achieve their full potential and preparing them for a successful future.
The course was a great transition for me to consolidate the practical and theory of being an Early Years Teacher (EYT). It has allowed me to gain a deeper insight into the different practices across various settings through engaging with other students on the course. I have been able to utilise my previous skills and qualifications in a different field with becoming an Early Years Teacher to progress to a Headteacher in an independent school.
The MA part of the course enabled me to think critically about aspects of early years and link my practice to different theories. I particularly enjoyed the 'change management project' as it enabled me to work with other practitioners at my setting to evaluate and develop our practice on risk management. Since finishing the course, I have become Room Leader of the Preschool room, which is in combination to my EYT role. This has allowed me to build my confidence in leading and managing a team of practitioners.
