Nursery World - Nursery Chains: Early Years Teachers

More nurseries are playing a major role in delivering training
courses for EYTs. Hannah Crown reviews their performance.

Nursery chains have embraced the Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS), the latest Government qualification designed to raise standards and increase public recognition for the sector. These 'graduate leaders' were introduced as a new take on the Early Years Professionals (EYPs). For Early Years Teachers (EYTs), training standards and entry requirements are aligned with the Qualified Teacher Status of those working in primary and secondary school. Many settings view EYTs and EYPs as being on a par, saying that though entry requirements for EYPs were less stringent, they are often among the most experienced practitioners in a setting.

For chains, EYTs offer a key means of upgrading practice. They can lead staff training, relieve the pressure on managers and boost the confidence of all staff. But concern remains that the EYT qualification, though vaunted as 'equivalent' to QTS by politicians, does not carry with it the same pay and conditions.

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