All candidates will be assessed to determine their needs in order to meet EYPS standards. Training will be tailored to meet these needs and could include aspects of the following:
- experience in a range of settings for children aged up to five year
- development and learning in 0–5 age group
- presentation skills
- leadership skills
- assessment in the early years foundation stage
- parent partnership
- working with sector professionals including speech and language therapists.
Time commitment
The number of days you will spend training will depend on which pathway you follow and your professional development needs. The EYPS training runs alongside your employment and for some sessions your employer will need to agree to give you time off to attend university; other training takes place in the evening or at weekends.
Assessment process
The assessment is based on candidates meeting the standards in practice and leadership required for EYPS. The assessment process includes:
- A formative development and progress review to determine your progress in meeting the EYPS standards
- a series of written assignments to assess your knowledge and understanding of the EYPS standards
- a portfolio of evidence, including witness statements, which relates to your practice against the EYPS standards
- a setting visit which includes a tour of your own workplace and direct observation of your practice.
Funding
Funding for Early Years Professional Status will be available for practitioners working across all setting types in the early years' workforce, including maintained settings. All EYPS training pathways are fully funded for eligible candidates; equally there is also an option for self funding for candidates who do not qualify for CWDC funding. Further information regarding eligibility can be accessed through the Teaching agency website.
If you are eligible for one of the EYPS pathways you will:
- have your fees paid for you
- have supply cover paid to your employer for the period you are studying.
Details regarding fees for self funded candidates will be confirmed shortly.
Location
The School of Education is based at the university’s Falmer campus, just outside Brighton.
Entry requirements
To undertake EYPS you must be a graduate working in the early years sector, see pathway entry requirements overleaf. If you do not have a degree, the university offers a number of ways to gain one, including part-time study to fit around work commitments.
You must also have GCSEs in English language and maths at Grade C or above. If you do not meet the GCSE requirements, we can offer an equivalence test. We are happy to offer advice on the standards required, contact us for details.You will also need an advanced CRB check certificate before you can begin on the EYPS pathway.
Pre-EYPS foundation degrees
We offer a very successful range of early years courses including the Early Years Care and Education foundation degree.
This foundation degree provides the specialist knowledge and skills needed to progress your career and gain academic credibility in early years, playwork and school-based settings. The award allows progression to a full honours degree, and then to Early Years Professional Status providing you meet any additional entrance requirements. Our foundation degrees can be completed in two and half years part-time.
