Skip to content
Our latest cohort of Early Years Teachers have completed their training with Equalitas and achieved Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS).
As they reached the end of the programme, trainees and their Key Colleagues reflected on their development across leadership, SEND and inclusion, phonics, mathematics and communication and language, and the impact their training has had across their settings.
Growing as Early Years leaders
Developing the confidence and knowledge to support others was a recurring theme in the feedback.
One trainee reflected:
“From completing Leadership aspects of the course, I have developed my confidence in practice, sharing effective teaching methods, being more conscientious of links to areas of learning and key child development theories to develop intentional next steps for each child. I have really focused on leading by example in practice.”
For another, leadership development strengthened collaboration across their setting:
“Working together, sharing ideas and supporting one another has helped create a stronger team and a more positive environment for the children.”
Key Colleagues also recognised this development, with one describing a trainee as someone who “demonstrates leadership across the setting” and “actively shares best practice and knowledge to support others.”
Putting learning into practice
Trainees highlighted how evidence, research and programme content had influenced their everyday practice.
One trainee described using the EEF and PEER framework to support colleagues in developing their communication and language practice, while another reflected on changes following SEND and Inclusion training:
“I have adapted daily routines while still maintaining essential structure to support children with additional needs. I have introduced more flexibility – such as allowing increased access to outdoor space – to better meet individual needs.”
Learning across specific areas of the Early Years curriculum was also put into practice. One trainee described becoming more intentional about embedding mathematical language into everyday interactions, while another reflected on the value of phonics training and school-based experience:
“My school-based experience has been especially valuable in helping me understand how children transition from early years into Reception, and how practitioners can prepare them effectively.”
An impact across the wider team
The reflections also demonstrate how the impact of EYITT can extend beyond an individual trainee’s own practice.
One trainee told us:
“Since starting the course, colleagues look to me and ask for my advice and I can give confident evidence-based support according to the colleague’s level of understanding.”
That impact was echoed by a Key Colleague:
“It has been great to see her confidence grow during the duration of the course, sharing her knowledge with others has meant that this has improved the development of the wider staff team.”
Congratulations to our latest cohort on achieving Early Years Teacher Status and continuing to transform children’s futures.
Our next EYITT cohort
Our next Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) cohort begins on 14 October, and there is still time for eligible graduates working in Early Years to apply.
The 12-month programme is delivered online alongside the trainee’s existing role and is fully funded by the Department for Education. Eligible employers also receive a £7,000 DfE employer incentive per trainee to support them throughout their training.
Find out more about Early Years Initial Teacher Training and apply for our next cohort.