January 2, 2014 4.12 pm This story is over 121 months old

Bishop Grosseteste begins early years course

Early years development: BGU will now offer Early Years Teacher Status courses to graduates.

From September 2014, Lincoln’s Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) will start training teachers in the early years sector.

BGU has 50 places to to train teachers for Early Years Teacher Status (nought to five years), so students can now learn to teach those aged from nought to 90.

The Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) was brought in by Government to replace Early Years Professional Status, using the same entry requirements and expectations as Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

The new EYTS courses will run alongside the university’s existing courses leading to QTS for teachers working with age three to 19, and courses for those teaching in lifelong learning.

The course are available to graduates who are looking for or already work in the early years sector.

The course can also be combined with a degree in Early Childhood Studies, with study towards EYTS.

Nigel Appleton, Dean of Teacher Development at BGU, said: “We’re very pleased to have been allocated these places, which will enable us to broaden still further the range of teaching qualifications that we offer.

“The fact that we have been allocated places for the new EYTS means this is the first time our training programmes will have covered the entire age range of learners, from babies to pensioners.

“The new Early Years Teacher Status is an important development because there is clear evidence that high-quality early education and childcare can have a powerful impact on young children and can fully prepare them for school and later life.”