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The Level 6 Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship provides a flexible, employment-based route for early years practitioners to gain a degree-level qualification and achieve Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS). Delivered by the University of Roehampton, this apprenticeship is designed for practitioners working in nurseries, pre-schools, schools and other early years settings who want to advance their knowledge, skills and professional practice while remaining in paid employment.
Please note that this programme is subject to validation and is not yet open for applications. The programme is expected to commence from September 2026, and learners can register their interest for future updates.
Over the course of 36 months, learners will combine academic study with workplace learning, allowing them to apply new knowledge directly within their setting. Through a blend of online teaching, independent study, workplace practice and professional mentoring, learners will develop a strong understanding of child development, early learning, safeguarding, inclusion, curriculum planning and leadership within the early years sector.
The programme supports learners to become confident and reflective practitioners who can lead high-quality practice, support children’s learning and development, and work effectively with families, colleagues and multi-agency professionals. Throughout the apprenticeship, learners will build their expertise through structured workplace activities, observation, portfolio development and evidence-informed practice.
This programme also offers a valuable progression route for learners who have completed the Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship. Subject to meeting the university’s entry requirements, previous learning may support progression onto this degree apprenticeship and contribute towards achieving a full degree qualification and Early Years Teacher Status.
Throughout the programme, learners will develop the expertise needed to lead high-quality early years practice and support positive outcomes for children and families. Successful completion leads to a degree qualification and Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS), supporting progression into a range of rewarding early years careers.
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Supporting Your Journey To Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS)
The Level 6 Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship combines degree-level study, workplace learning and professional practice to help learners develop the expertise required to achieve Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS). Delivered by the University of Roehampton, the programme supports practitioners to build specialist knowledge, strengthen leadership skills and progress within the early years sector while remaining in employment.
Throughout the programme, you’ll develop:
• Expert understanding of child development and early learning
• Curriculum planning and assessment skills
• Safeguarding and child protection expertise
• Inclusive practice and SEND knowledge
• Leadership and mentoring capabilities
• Communication and partnership-working skills
• Reflective and evidence-informed practice
• Professional behaviours aligned to the Early Years Teacher apprenticeship standard
You’ll be employed through the apprenticeship enabling you to apply theory directly to your professional setting, building up knowledge and professional skills through your studies.
The Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship is open to new and experienced early years professionals employed in schools or registered early years settings. As per the EYTDA standard and apprenticeship funding rules, entrants must as a minimum:
• Be employed in an eligible early years setting delivering the EYFS
• Have the right to work in the UK
• Meet apprenticeship funding eligibility requirements
• Hold GCSE English, Maths and Science at grade 4/C or above (or recognised equivalent qualifications)
• Meet any additional entry requirements set by the University of Roehampton and The Childcare Company
• Be deemed suitable to train as an Early Years Teacher
Additionally, entrants will need to:
• Meet provider-specific eligibility requirements e.g. A levels, BTEC or equivalent UCAS tariff points as stipulated by Higher Education Institutions (HEI)
• Meet any training provider or employer-specific requirements
• Meet any additional admissions, suitability and professional practice requirements set by the University of Roehampton
Study flexibly while remaining in employment
The programme is designed to balance professional responsibilities with academic study through both online teaching sessions and on-campus learning.
Teaching may include:
• Live online teaching sessions
• Guided independent study
• Workplace-based learning activities
• Collaborative discussions and peer learning
• Reflective practice
• Professional mentoring and support
• Structured workplace observation and feedback
• Regular progress reviews involving the learner, employer and university
Demonstrate your learning through professional practice
Assessment is designed to reflect the realities of working in early years education.
You may be assessed through:
• Portfolios of evidence
• Reflective writing
• Presentations
• Workplace projects
• Professional discussions
• Observation of practice
• Applied academic assignments
Throughout the programme, learners will build evidence demonstrating achievement of the apprenticeship Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) and Early Years Teacher standards.
Shape the future of children’s learning and development
Graduates will be well positioned to progress into a range of roles across the early years sector, including:
• Early Years Teacher
• Early Years Lead Practitioner
• Room Leader
• Nursery Manager
• SEND-focused Early Years Practitioner
• Family and Community Support Practitioner
The programme combines academic achievement with extensive workplace experience, helping you develop the expertise, confidence and professional recognition needed to advance your career within a sector experiencing continued demand for skilled practitioners and leaders.
Apprenticeship training costs are typically funded through the Growth and Skills Levy or employer co-investment arrangements. Learners remain employed throughout the programme and continue to earn a salary while studying.
This programme is currently subject to validation and is not yet open for applications.
The University of Roehampton expects the programme to commence from September 2026, subject to approval.
Learners and employers interested in the programme can register their interest to receive updates about application dates, entry requirements and programme availability.
What You’ll Gain As A Learner
Through expert teaching from the University of Roehampton, workplace mentoring and ongoing professional support, you will develop the advanced skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to become an effective Early Years Teacher. You’ll gain adegree-level qualification, achieve Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS), and build expertise in child development, curriculum planning, safeguarding, inclusion and leadership. Throughout the programme, you’ll apply your learning directly within your workplace, helping you progress your career while making a positive impact on children’s learning and development.
What You’ll Gain As An Employer
Supporting an employee through the Level 6 Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship helps strengthen the quality of practice within your setting while developing future leaders. Apprentices will build advanced knowledge of child development, curriculum planning, safeguarding, inclusion and professional practice, enabling them to support high-quality outcomes for children and families. Through workplace learning and academic study, learners will develop the confidence and expertise needed to lead practice, mentor colleagues and contribute to continuous improvement across your organisation.
Off the job training
As part of the apprenticeship, learners will complete a minimum of 20% off-the-job training throughout the programme. This dedicated learning time supports the development of new knowledge, skills and behaviours through activities such as university-led teaching, independent study, workplace projects and professional development. Read our FAQs below to learn more about off-the-job training and how it works.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Level 6 Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship is a work-based programme delivered by the University of Roehampton that enables early years professionals to gain a full degree and achieve Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS). It combines academic study with workplace learning, allowing learners to continue working in an early years setting while developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to become a qualified Early Years Teacher.
This Level 6 Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship is suitable for early years professionals who are already working within an early years setting and are ready to progress into a qualified Early Years Teacher role while continuing in employment.
It is particularly suitable for learners who:
- Are currently employed in a nursery, pre-school, school-based early years setting or similar EYFS environment
- Work with children from birth to five years old on a regular basis
- Are looking to develop their practice, leadership skills and knowledge at degree level
- Are motivated to progress into a more senior or specialist early years role
- May have completed a Level 5 qualification, such as the Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship
Previous experience and requirements
Applicants will typically need:
- Experience working within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
- A relevant Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education or Childcare (or equivalent)
- Experience in roles such as Nursery Practitioner, Room Leader, Deputy Manager or Early Years Lead Practitioner
- A current role in an eligible early years setting, as the apprenticeship is delivered through workplace learning
This programme is designed for practitioners who are confident in their day-to-day practice and are ready to build on their experience to develop advanced knowledge, leadership capability and professional expertise.
Learners should also demonstrate:
- A strong commitment to working with young children
- The ability to reflect on and improve their practice
- The motivation to progress into Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) and leadership within the sector
The apprenticeship typically takes 36 months (3 years) to complete. It is designed to be flexible and employment-based, meaning learners study alongside their day-to-day role in an early years setting.
Applicants must meet the apprenticeship funding rules and University of Roehampton entry requirements. This typically includes:
- Employment in an eligible early years setting delivering EYFS
- GCSE English, Maths and Science at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent)
- Right to work in the UK and residency requirements for funding eligibility
- Any additional academic or suitability requirements set by the university
Applicants must also be considered suitable to train as an Early Years Teacher through the university’s admissions process.
Yes. All apprentices must be employed in a suitable early years setting delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. The programme is designed to integrate academic learning with real workplace practice, so employment is essential throughout the apprenticeship.
Off-the-job training is structured learning that takes place during your paid working hours but is separate from your normal day-to-day duties. You’re required to complete a minimum of six hours per week of this training to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for your apprenticeship. Activities can include online learning, workshops, research, mentoring and other development tasks relevant to your role.
You can also use our Learner Enrichment Calendar to help plan and log suitable off-the-job activities that count towards your training hours, giving you a variety of ways to grow your skills throughout the programme.
All off-the-job training hours must be recorded on your e-portfolio system, Aptem, to ensure your progress is tracked throughout your apprenticeship.
Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) is a specialist professional status for those working with children from birth to age five. It confirms that an individual has met the national Early Years Teacher Standards and has the expertise to lead high-quality early years education, support child development, and improve outcomes for young children within EYFS settings.
This apprenticeship is delivered by the University of Roehampton, a leading provider of teacher education and early childhood studies, in partnership with The Childcare Company. We work closely with the university to promote and support this programme as part of a clear early years progression pathway, helping learners progress from Level 5 study into degree-level learning and Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS).
Through this partnership, learners benefit from the University of Roehampton’s academic expertise alongside our specialist focus on early years workforce development. This ensures a joined-up approach that supports both learners and employers in developing confident, highly skilled practitioners who are ready to take the next step in their career.
This programme is currently subject to validation and is not yet open for applications. Subject to approval, the University of Roehampton expects the programme to commence from September 2026. Learners and employers can register their interest to receive updates when applications become available.
Assessment is designed to reflect real-world early years practice and may include:
- Portfolios of evidence
- Reflective writing and professional journals
- Workplace projects linked to EYFS practice
- Presentations and professional discussions
- Observations of teaching and practice
- Applied academic assignments
Learners will build a portfolio demonstrating progress against the apprenticeship Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) and the Early Years Teacher Standards.
On successful completion, learners will achieve a Level 6 degree qualification aligned to the QAA Early Childhood Studies Benchmark Statement, alongside Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS). This provides professional recognition to lead practice within early years settings and support children’s learning and development from birth to five years old.
Yes. Apprenticeship training costs are typically funded through the Apprenticeship Levy or employer co-investment. Apprentices remain employed and continue to receive a salary while completing the programme, making it a cost-effective way for employers to develop highly skilled early years staff.
This apprenticeship supports progression into a range of senior early years and education roles, including:
- Early Years Teacher
- Early Years Lead Practitioner
- Room Leader or Senior Practitioner
- Nursery or Early Years Manager
- SEND-focused Early Years roles
- Family support and early intervention roles
It is designed to strengthen leadership capability and improve long-term career progression within the early years sector
