Teacher training model extends to early years

The National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL), an independent body funded by the Department for Education, will introduce School Direct for early years initial teacher training from September.

The new School Direct (Early Years) programme will see accredited training providers partner with nursery schools to give trainees access to on-the-job training.

The places – 59 in total – have been allocated to Bright Horizons and a series of early years teaching schools, including Bristol Early Years Teaching Consortium.

The new approach will give nursery schools more influence over the way early years teachers are trained, as well as a pool of graduates to recruit from upon successful completion of the programme when they will be awarded early years teacher status – the equivalent of qualified teacher status.

The training will be funded by the NCTL, which will provide a grant of £7,000 to all trainees.

Bursaries of up to £9,000 will also be available to applicants with first class degrees and £4,000 for those with a 2:1.

Liz Bayram, chief executive of the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (Pacey), has welcomed the move and said similar support needs to be given to all childcare practitioners.

She said: “Pacey welcomes any investment to help attract new talent into the early years sector, and awarding early years teacher status through School Direct will help achieve this.

“We must also remember that training and support is as critical for everyone already working in childcare, and we are clear that there remains an ongoing need to set out a clear strategy to support the professional development of all childcare professionals. This in turn will improve quality for children and families.”