Early Years Initial Teacher Training - Abacus ARK - Apprentice

Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) is a 12-month training programme fully funded by the Department for Education (DfE), designed for graduates of any subject.

Completion of the programme leads to achievement of the Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) making trainees fully qualified early years teachers.

What you'll do

As an EYITT Trainee, you will:

• Support children's learning, development, and wellbeing
• Plan and deliver engaging activities that promote children's progress
• Observe, assess, and monitor children's development
• Build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues
• Promote inclusive practice and support children with diverse needs
• Ensure safeguarding, health, and safety requirements are followed at all times
• Reflect on and develop your professional practice throughout the programme
• Work closely with experienced practitioners and mentors to develop teaching skills

Training

Teacher - Postgraduate - Level 6.

How the EYITT Programme is delivered - The programme is delivered over 12-months through a combination of:

• Practical experience within an Early Years setting
• Regular support from an experienced tutor and mentor
• Online learning and professional development activities
• Workplace observations and assessments
• Development of teaching practice aligned with the Early Years Teachers' Standards
• Trainees will receive ongoing guidance and support throughout their learning journey to ensure they are equipped to achieve Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS)

After the apprenticeship

Why Apply?

• No course tuition fees
• Excellent pathway into Early Years teaching
• Hands-on experience across nursery and school environments
• Opportunity to build a rewarding career shaping young children's futures

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Number skills
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Patience

Qualifications

• Essential: GCSE, English (grade 4)
• Essential: GCSE, Maths (grade 4)
• Essential: GCSE, Science (grade 4)
• Essential: Bachelors Degree, Any Subject (grade 2:1)

Things to consider

Certifications:

After you apply, you will receive a link to complete a screening form, alongside this, we will require copies of your bachelors degree and GCSE maths, English and Science certificates to confirm your eligibility for the course.

Right to Work & Residency Requirements:

Applicants who are not UK nationals must meet apprenticeship funding eligibility rules, including having lived in the UK or EU for at least 3 consecutive years prior to the start date. You must hold a valid visa that does not expire within 18-months of your apprenticeship start date.

We will require a share code to verify your right to work and study in the UK. After submitting your application, you will receive a screening form where you can securely provide your share code for eligibility checks.

Benefits

• Fully funded Department for Education training
• Professional mentoring and development support
• Complete 30 days placement in a primary school
• Gain recognised Early Years Teacher Status

About the employer

We are here to support your childcare needs and firmly believe that our children should be at the heart of everything that we do. Conveniently located between Croydon, Lambeth and Bromley, our expert team of professionals create a friendly nursery environment that focuses on warm and nurturing relationships, trust and care. We treat your children with the same understanding, encouragement and patience as if they were our own – creating a stimulating and enjoyable environment for them to flourish.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Teacher - Postgraduate (level 6), Education and early years
• Apprenticeship level: Degree (level 6)
• Training provider: BEST PRACTICE NETWORK LIMITED
• Expected duration: 1 Year
• Hours: 20 hours a week. Working week: Monday to Friday - Working between the hours 8 am - 6 pm. You will be working 20 hours per week.

Minimum, 16.5 hour a week, 2 days a week - employer can offer more working hours if required.

EYITT course will be starting in November.

• Start date: 1 November 2026
• Positions available: 1
• Wage: £8,320 to £13,218.40 a year