Early Years Initial Teacher Training: Assessment Only Route

Overview

Programme Overview

What will you study on the Early Years Initial Teacher Training: Assessment Only Route?

This is not a training programme, instead, it is a selection and assessment process.

Following receipt of a complete and suitable application the process is as follows

Part 1: Confirmation of qualifications, experience and employment status via interview at Middlesex University with an Early Years Teacher Training tutor. Entry requirements will be checked and candidates will be advised about preparing for Part 2 of the selection process. Before progressing to Part 2 candidates must provide proof of successful completion of the Professional skills tests. Candidates who fail the tests on three occasions will not be able to complete Stage 2 and will not be eligible for EYTS assessment.

Part 2: Formative assessment, suitability check and development planning. This is carried out by a University tutor in consultation with a senior member of staff in the early years setting who will confirm your evidence claim, understanding and experience and establish your suitability for this route. It will include observation of your practice and your skills in communicating in Standard English. Where sufficient evidence is identified, the tutor will approve the candidate for assessment and support the candidate in preparing a development plan. This will identify any weaknesses and gaps in evidence and set targets for the candidate, which may include elements of training/professional development and time frame in which to qualify.

Part 1: Initial assessment.

This will include a summative interview and observation, carried out by the teacher training tutor, shortly before final assessment and moderation, in order to confirm that targets have been met and the scope of evidence collected is sufficient. The tutor will provide written feedback on performance and make an assessment judgement about EYTS. Initial assessments can be arranged after 6 weeks of the assessed period and before final assessment/moderation in week 12. This allows candidates to present supplementary evidence at the final assessment stage if required.

Part 2: Final assessment/moderation

This will include interviews, observation(s) of practice and scrutiny of the portfolio of evidence. It will be carried out by a different assessor who will seek to confirm and moderate assessment judgments.

Candidates are approved for assessment by an experienced Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) tutor who aims to ensure that candidates are fully conversant with the Teachers' Standards (Early Years) and requirements for Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS).

The employing early years setting will provide a mentor who is able to undergo EYITT mentor training. The mentor will meet regularly with the candidate, provide guidance and support, and provide feedback which addresses the Teachers' Standards (Early Years).

What happens when the candidate is judged to pass and meet the Teachers' Standards (Early Years)?

We notify the National College for Teaching and Learning (NCTL) and EYTS will be awarded. A certificate will be sent to the candidate.

The Early Years Initial Teacher Training - Assessment Only Route programme is offered at Middlesex University.