University of Sunderland

Early Years Professional Status

* Exceptions may apply.  Please see Fees and Finance for further information.

Introduction

The first five years of life are critical in children's development. High quality early years provision can help children achieve their potential and support parents and families. High quality provision requires a well-trained, well-supported and highly motivated workforce - and that's where you come in. The early years workforce needs a wide range of people with differing skills, experiences and qualifications to work together for the benefit of young children

Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) was launched in 2007 and is currently the only professional graduate accreditation for the early years workforce, endorsed by the government. Since its launch, over 8,300 practitioners have achieved EYPS and are making a positive difference to children’s learning and development.

The University of Sunderland is now working as part of an alliance of providers in the north of England and is pleased to be offering two pathways to EYPS from January 2012.

We are also delighted to confirm that from January 2012, funding for EYPS will be available for staff working across all setting types in the early years' workforce, including maintained settings. This means that staff working in nursery schools and maintained schools with reception classes can now apply for funded places on pathways.

Graduate Practitioner Pathway (GPP)

This is a 6 month pathway which will typically be taken by graduates who are already working in the 0-5 sector. They will require only a small amount of additional learning or experience before undertaking assessment of the EYPS standards.

This pathway involves no taught modules; it is focused around the assessment of the 39 EYPS standards through written reflection on practice, supported by EYPS assessors, and a visit by an assessor to the candidate’s place of work. The candidates attend the University for 5 planning/preparation sessions prior to the assessor’s visit.

Entry points:

January 2012

September 2012

September 2013

Graduate Entry Pathway (GEP): currently validated as the Postgraduate Certificate in Early Years Studies with EYPS but subject to review

This is a one year full-time pathway for people with a degree and limited experience of working with children from 0-5 but who are looking to build a career in working with young children. This might include recent graduates or people looking to change career. The pathway combines academic study with experience in early years settings.

The academic element of the pathway explores the nature of the Early Years Foundation Stage, planning and managing young children’s learning and leading practice in early years settings. Students work is assessed in a variety of ways, including assignments, presentations and work based learning.

Students on this pathway also complete 18 weeks of full time placement in early years setting, during which they will develop their personal practice in working with very young children and have the opportunity to lead the development of provision through a project.

The pathway culminates with the assessment of the 39 EYPS standards through written reflection on practice and a visit by an assessor to the candidate’s place of work.

Candidates will complete modules relating to early years practice and 18 weeks of placement before undertaking assessment of the EYPS standards.

Entry points:

September 2012

September 2013

Applicants are also required to complete a medical pro forma.

The provisions of DES Circular 9/93 concerning the disclosure of criminal convictions of those with access to children apply to all Education programmes.

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Course Content

Graduate Entry Pathway only: the nature of the early years curriculum, planning and managing young children’s learning, leading practice, child development and professional practice.

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Entry Requirements

Support for students with disabilities

The University of Sunderland is fully committed to principles of Equality and Diversity. We welcome applications from potential students who have or may have a disability and are eager to ensure that all reasonable adjustments and support can be put in place where appropriate.

When you apply for a course at Sunderland you will have the opportunity to disclose that you have a disability, specific learning difficulty or a medical condition. You are not obliged to provide us with this information. However, if you do not, it may mean that we are unable to provide you with the level of support and assistance that you require.

For courses and programmes where no application form is required we recommend that you contact the appropriate Faculty and department to discuss your needs as soon as possible before the start of the course. This will enable the University to work with you to identify any disability-related support needs and to make sure you receive timely advice and guidance about how your needs may be met.

We advise all applicants to make themselves familiar with the demands of a programme, including requirements for field trips, placements, years abroad and teaching, learning and assessment methods.

Before beginning the pathway, all candidates must have:

• Achieved a degree awarded by a United Kingdom higher education institution (or recognised overseas equivalent).
• Achieved a standard equivalent to grade C in GCSE mathematics
• Achieved a standard equivalent to grade C in GCSE English
• Demonstrated that they are able to read effectively and communicate clearly and accurately in English to a standard equivalent to Level C1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
• Been subject to a Criminal Records Bureau enhanced disclosure check which shows that they do not have a criminal background that might prevent them working with children and have not previously been excluded from working with children (a check must be carried out even if the candidate has been subject to an enhanced CRB disclosure check for or through another organisation)

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Fees and Finance

The fees for this course are as specified in the table at the top of the page.

Please note that different fees apply to students studying for "Equivalent or Lower Qualifications" (ELQs). For more information about ELQs, please see the page Information for applicants who already have an HE Qualification.

For information about University scholarships and bursaries please see the page Fees and Finance.

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Work Experience

Candidates on the Graduate Entry Pathway complete 18 weeks of placement in early years settings.

The EYPS team work closely with a range of early years settings to enhance provision on the pathways. Early Years Professionals who complete their training with the University of Sunderland also act as assessors and mentors.

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Career Opportunities

Candidates completing the Graduate Entry Pathway find employment in a range of contexts working with young children and their families, for example day care, Children’s Centres and charities. The roles they fulfil involve promoting children’s learning and development and supporting families across all areas of children’s lives.

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Supplemental Information

For more information on Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) log on to the Children's Workforce Development Council (CWDC).

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Related Courses

• Childhood Studies (0-11 years)

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