Applying:
This programme is subject to validation and not yet open for applications. Please see "applying" for information on how to register your interest, and entry requirements.
Duration:
3 years
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 the QAA Early Childhood Studies Benchmarks and on successful completion of the apprenticeship 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 early childhood studies.
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
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.
Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS)
The EYTDA consists of the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours statements (KSBs) which have been designed to meet the Early years teachers' standards - GOV.UK and the QAA Subject Benchmark Statement - Early Childhood Studies.
What you'll learn
Year 1 will focus on the foundations of child development, early learning, safeguarding, observation and assessment, and professional practice within early years settings. You will develop an understanding of child development across the early years age range, introductory pedagogical approaches, safeguarding responsibilities, and reflective professional practice. Work-based learning will support the application of theory to practice from the outset.
Year 2 will develop your understanding of curriculum design, inclusion, SEND, working with families and multi-agency professionals, and the development of professional autonomy within early years practice. You will increasingly take responsibility for leading practice within your setting, supporting others, and applying evidence-informed approaches to teaching and learning.
Year 3 will focus on leadership, quality improvement, policy, mentoring and professional accountability within early years settings. You will develop the skills required to lead practice, contribute to organisational improvement, and prepare for gateway and End Point Assessment (EPA). The final stage of the programme will support you in consolidating professional identity and readiness for Early Years Teacher Status.
Through on the job training and mentoring, you will develop your expertise progressively through structured workplace practice, observation, portfolio development and reflective activity.
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.
Learning
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
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.
Applying
This course is subject to validation.
This programme is not open for applications. To register your interest in the programme, please contact us at: apprenticeships@roehampton.ac.uk
To undertake an apprenticeship, you must first find an employer who is willing to employ you as an apprentice. This is the candidates’ responsibility. The University does not have a list of employers with vacancies. Once you have found an employer they can contact us for an onboarding pack.
Entry Requirements:
The EYTDA 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:
- have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4* in the GCSE examinations in English, mathematics and science
- be employed or starting to work in a paid position in an early years setting offering the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)**
- meet residency requirements set out in Annex A of the apprenticeship funding rules
- have the right to work in the UK
- be eligible for funding under the apprenticeship funding rules for the year the apprentice starts their course
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
- be deemed suitable to be a teacher by their training provider
Tuition fees and funding
Apprenticeship training costs are typically funded through the Growth and Skills Levy or employer co-investment arrangements. Apprentices remain employed and earn a salary throughout the programme.
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.
Register your interest
Find out more
Get more detailed information on our apprenticeships.