Early Years Professional Status (EYPS)

Dependant on pathway

Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) recognises graduate practitioners who have the skills to lead high quality early years practice. EYPS is a professional accreditation endorsed by the Government for graduate practitioners who can demonstrate competence against a set of 39 professional standards, which cover:

• Knowledge and understanding
• Effective practice
• Relationships with children
• Communicating and working in partnership with families and carers
• Teamwork and collaboration

The content of each pathway varies but all four pathways focus on leadership and support of others as well as developing one's own effective practice in relation to the standards.

Route one: Graduate Practitioner Pathway (GPP)

The Graduate Practitioner Pathway (6 months part-time) is for experienced graduates who already have extensive knowledge and experience of working with babies, toddlers and young children.

This pathway focuses on updating knowledge and skills in key areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage. You will follow a personalised learning programme combining e-learning and face to face workshops on topic areas that are relevant to your professional development. Throughout the programme you will also have access to mentor support from a trained and experienced member of our team.

Route two: Undergraduate practitioner Pathway (UPP)

If you already hold a Foundation Degree in Early Years or you have a less relevant honours degree but with experience of working in early years, then this route may be for you.

The Undergraduate Practitioner Pathway (12 months part-time) is for those who have a relevant level 5 qualification, such as a Foundation Degree in Early Years, or a non relevant level 6 qualification with experience working in the sector.

Assessment is based on assignments and portfolios of evidence. Your academic achievements will be recognised by the University in addition to the award of EYPS.

The course comprises 18 full day sessions over a six to nine month period prior to the final assessment process. In addition to which you may be required to undertake a brief alternative placement to boost your experience in relevant parts of the 0-5 age range. You can choose to exit with an ordinary degree and EYPS or you can top-up to a full honours degree (at additional cost).

Route three: Graduate Entry Pathway (GEP)

The Graduate Entry Pathway (12 months full-time) is for graduates with limited, or no experience working with children from birth to five but who are looking to pursue a career working in early years. Modules include:

• Underpinning knowledge and understanding for working with children 0-5
• Developing your own effective practice
• Leading and supporting practice in the Early Years Foundation Stage

Assessment is based on assignments and portfolios of evidence. If successful, you will be eligible for the award of Graduate Diploma in Early Years Practice from The University of Northampton as well as EYPS.

Full time attendance is required over a 36 week period including 18 weeks of placements in a range of Early Years settings.

A bursary of £3,500 is available to those offered a CWDC funded place

Route four: Undergraduate Entry Pathway

The Professional Practice pathway through the BA Hons Early Childhood Studies supports your development as an effective early years' practitioner and prepares you for a leadership role. The academic programme relates directly to placement experience leading to EYPS validation within six months of graduation depending on readiness.

The BA Hons Early Childhood Studies takes a holistic approach to children's health, development, learning and well being in the context of the family and the community. You are taught by a multi-disciplinary team who explore the full range of children's services and the importance of multi-agency working.

Assessment is continuous using a variety of methods including written assignments, presentations and practical projects. There are no examinations.

The University of Northampton is working closely Bishop Grosseteste University College and Nottingham Trent University and with 11 local authorities from across the East Midlands region to deliver EYPS. A team of highly experienced early years professionals and nursery managers work alongside University staff to provide one-to-one professional mentoring support and to carry out assessment based on National Standards.

• Leadership, Management and Support in Children's Services
• Developing as an Early Years Professional

Modes of assessment will vary depending on the pathway and may include written assignments, written tasks, presentations, projects and/or a professional development portfolio.

Early Years Professionals will in future lead practice across the Early Years Foundation Stage in children's centres, independent schools, pre-schools, day nurseries and other early years settings with children from birth to five.