Qualification:
Please see "applying" for additional entry requirements.
Duration:
10 months
Start date(s):
September 2026
Become an Early Years Teacher while you work
The Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship (EYTDA) is a flexible, employment-based route to gaining a degree and achieving Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS).
Designed for practitioners working in nurseries, pre-schools and other early years settings, this apprenticeship combines academic study, workplace learning and professional practice. You'll remain in paid employment throughout your studies, applying your learning directly within your setting while developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to become an Early Years Teacher.
Working closely with employers and sector partners, Roehampton's apprenticeship will help you develop into a confident early years professional capable of leading high-quality practice and supporting children's learning and development from birth to age five.
Did you know
You'll graduate with a degree aligned to Early Childhood Studies and achieve Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS), giving you the professional recognition and expertise to progress within the early years sector.
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Why choose Roehampton?
School of Education expertise
Benefit from Roehampton's long-standing reputation for teacher education and child development.
Earn while you learn
Remain employed throughout the programme while gaining a degree-level qualification and professional status.
Flexible learning designed for working professionals
Study through a blend of online teaching, independent learning and workplace practice.
Skills
Develop the knowledge and professional expertise to lead high-quality early years practice
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
Work-based learning is embedded throughout the apprenticeship, enabling you to apply theory directly within your professional setting and build substantial practical experience alongside your studies.
Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS)
This apprenticeship is aligned to the Department for Education requirements for Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS), providing a recognised route into graduate-level early years practice and leadership.
Learning
Study flexibly while remaining in employment
The programme is designed to balance professional responsibilities with academic study through a flexible delivery model.
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
Learning is closely integrated with your employment, allowing you to immediately apply new knowledge and skills within your setting.
You'll be supported by experienced academics, apprenticeship specialists and workplace mentors throughout your studies.
Regular reviews involving you, your employer and the university will help ensure your progress, wellbeing and professional development remain on track.
Assessment
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, you'll build a portfolio demonstrating your development against the apprenticeship Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) and professional standards.
Careers
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 roles
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.
How our careers service supports you
Our careers team can support you throughout your studies and beyond, helping you identify progression opportunities, develop your CV and continue your professional development within the education sector.
Applying
Entry Requirements:
Candidates must have GCSE English and Maths (plus Science for a Primary apprenticeship) or equivalent qualifications confirmed by ENIC. They must also have a degree at 2:2 or above or equivalent qualifications if the candidates qualifications are from overseas. Candidates from overseas must have been resident ion the UK for at least 3 years prior to the course starting. Candidates must also have an enhanced DBS before the course starts.
If you are interested in completing this apprenticeship yourself, please speak to your employer to see if they offer an apprenticeship programme. We would be more than happy to speak to them about setting one up, so please do ask them to get in touch with us if they don’t have something in place.
If you are an employer and would like to offer apprenticeships at your organisation, please get in touch with us by emailing apprenticeships@roehampton.ac.uk.
We can provide you with all the information and guidance you need to set these up.
Start your application
Find out more
Get more detailed information on our apprenticeships.