Early Years Professional Status (EYPS)

Early Years Professional Status is a nationally recognised post graduate award for practitioners.

A government review of the Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) has led to a reduction in the number of providers able to deliver the EYPS and it is region based. Training providers contracted to deliver EYPS in the south east are Kingston University (the University of Reading is part of this consortium), Best Practice Network and the University of Chichester. Oxford Brookes University will no longer be offering EYPS.

Course format

There are four training courses or pathways to achieve EYPS.

Graduate Practitioner Pathway (GPP)

For graduates currently working in the sector who require a small amount of learning or experience before they can demonstrate the EYP standards
Duration: Part-time over 6 months

Undergraduate Practitioner Pathway (UPP)

For employees working in Early Years with a Level 5 qualification eg Early Years Foundation Degree
Duration: Part time over 12 months

Graduate Entry Pathway (GEP)

For people with a degree and limited experience of working with children from birth-5 and who are looking to work in Early Years
Duration: Full-time over 12 months

Undergraduate Entry Pathway (UEP)

For undergraduates undertaking a degree in Early Childhood Studies
Duration: Full-time over 12 months

Funding and training provider information

Funded places

All EYPS training providers have a set number of funded places in regions and Oxfordshire comes under the south east region. The providers closest to Oxfordshire who have funded south east places are Reading and Kingston University.

You can apply to other EYPS training providers who are not in the south east region as they may be able to offer you a place. This include Northampton University, University of Gloucestershire and Swindon College through Best Practice Network.

Self-funded places

If the training provider is unable to give you a funded place they may suggest you consider a self-funded place with them. This may be paid by you or sponsored by your employer. We may be able to support you to access the training for more information contact the Quality and Intervention team on 0845 604 23 46 option 5 or email childcare.training@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Travel bursaries

If you are experiencing difficulty in finding a training provider within a reasonable distance and have to travel further to access the course contact the Quality and Intervention team on 0845 604 23 46 option 5 or email childcare.training@oxfordshire.gov.uk. It may be possible for the local authority to offer a travel bursary to help with the cost of long distance travel.

Eligibility

A major change to the arrangements is that early years staff in nursery schools and schools with reception classes are now able to access the EYPS training. They will be funded the same way as other candidates.

Childminders are eligible for funding and staff cover. The emphasis is on giving places to candidates serving children and families living in disadvantaged areas rather than specific types of settings.

Criteria

Require a CRB enhanced disclosure check
GSCE Grade C or above (or equivalent) in Maths and English
Read and communicate clearly and accurately in English
Evidence of the right to study and work in the UK
Must hold a degree, (UK, or recognised equivalent) or Early Years Foundation Degree

For more information about the EYPS and the latest training offer contact the Quality and Intervention team on 0845 604 23 46 option 5 or email childcare.training@oxfordshire.gov.uk.