How to Become an Early Years Teacher

How to Become an Early Years Teacher

If you enjoy working with young children and want to take your career further, becoming an Early Years Teacher could be your next step.

Early Years Teachers play an important role in supporting children’s learning and development during their early years. But how do you become an Early Years Teacher, and what qualifications do you need?

What is an Early Years Teacher?

An Early Years Teacher works with young children in early years settings, supporting their learning, development, health and wellbeing.

The role involves more than simply caring for children. Early Years Teachers use their knowledge of child development and early education to create effective learning experiences, support individual needs and help children build the foundations they need for the future.

What qualification do I need to become an Early Years Teacher?

One route is the Level 6 Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship.

The programme combines degree-level study with workplace learning, allowing you to continue working while developing the knowledge and professional skills needed to become an Early Years Teacher.

The programme is delivered in partnership with the University of Roehampton.

Successful completion provides a route to a full honours degree and Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS), subject to meeting the relevant requirements.

Can I become an Early Years Teacher through an apprenticeship?

Yes. The Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship provides an apprenticeship route into Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS).

To apply, you must meet the relevant apprenticeship, employment and university entry requirements. These include being employed for at least 30 hours per week in an eligible early years setting delivering the EYFS.

Entry requirements also include GCSE English, Maths and Science at grade 4/C or above, or recognised equivalents, alongside a relevant Level 3 qualification or equivalent that meets the University of Roehampton’s requirements and provides the required UCAS points.

Can I progress from a Level 5 Early Years apprenticeship?

Yes. The Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship provides a direct progression route for eligible learners into the Level 6 Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship.

Eligible Level 5 completers can progress into the Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship at learning stage 2, reducing the programme to two years, subject to meeting the remaining entry requirements.

This means your career progression could look like:

• Level 2 Early Years Practitioner
• Level 3 Early Years Educator
• Level 3 Early Years Educator (Men in Childcare Pathway)
• Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner
• Level 6 Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship

You don’t necessarily have to follow every stage, however. Your starting point will depend on your existing qualifications, experience and the entry requirements for the programme.

What can I do after becoming an Early Years Teacher?

Early Years Teacher Status can support progression into a range of early years education and leadership opportunities.

Your career could develop towards roles involving:

• Early years teaching
• Curriculum and pedagogical leadership
• Early years leadership
• Mentoring and supporting other practitioners
• Quality improvement
• SEND and inclusion
• Nursery or setting leadership

Your longer-term career will depend on your experience, interests and the opportunities available within your setting.

Is an Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship right for me?

The degree apprenticeship could be suitable if you are already working in an eligible early years setting and want to progress into a professional early years teaching role while continuing to earn a salary.

It combines academic study with practical workplace experience, allowing you to apply what you learn directly to your role.

If becoming an Early Years Teacher is your long-term goal, understanding the available progression routes early can help you plan your next qualification and career move.

Explore the Level 6 Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship to find out more.