UK Government launches new early years teacher apprenticeship scheme

Date: 10th February 2025
Category: General measures of implementation, General principles, Education, Leisure and Cultural Activities

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The UK Government has introduced a new Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship (EYTDA) with the aim of attracting more teachers to early years education in England and offer fresh opportunities for early years educators.

This three-year undergraduate programme is open to school leavers and current early years staff with Level 3 qualifications and GCSEs in mathematics, English, and science. Trainees will earn a Level 6 early years degree and achieve Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) while continuing to work in their current settings. The scheme allows employers who pay the apprenticeship levy to use these funds for the programme. Non-levy-paying employers can access government support, with 95% of training costs covered. The new apprenticeship will run alongside the existing Early Years Initial Teacher Training programme, which the Department for Education (DfE) has pledged to maintain. Training will be delivered by accredited providers listed on the Apprenticeship Provider and Assessment Register (APAR). The government expects the EYTDA to be available from September 2026, though some providers may offer it earlier.

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