Teach First expands into early years

The move will see the charity, which trains would-be teachers who have the potential to become leaders of schools in poor communities, offer its training to those who hope to work with three- and four-year-olds.

Teach First will take in 20 early years recruits in September and another group in September 2014.

“The extension of the Teach First Leadership Development Programme into early years will mean talented individuals will be even more attracted to this important profession,” said childcare minister Elizabeth Truss.

“Teach First has an excellent reputation for delivering high-quality teachers. This announcement will help to capitalise on this expertise for the early years profession to get the status it deserves. It will also drive up early education quality in poorer areas where it is most needed.”

Teach First’s two-year training programme sees trainees develop their educational skills while working full time in schools, nurseries and other early years settings in poor areas.

John Colenutt, acting chief executive of Teach First, said: “This is an exciting development for Teach First and is allowing us to respond to the needs of our partner schools which are keen for us to provide graduates to teach their younger pupils.

“We are tailoring the training for those who will be working with three- to seven-year-olds to ensure that they are fully equipped to manage the very different demands of the early years context, and to support the children in their care.”