Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship (EYTDA)

In partnership with University of Greenwich

Become an Early Years Teacher while you work

Pen Green Research, Development and Training Base is delighted to be delivering the Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship (EYTDA) in partnership with the University of Greenwich.

This innovative new programme offers a flexible, work-based route to achieving a BA (Hons) Early Years with Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) while remaining in paid employment. Developed to strengthen the graduate workforce, the apprenticeship enables practitioners to continue making a difference to children every day while studying towards a Level 6 qualification. The first cohort begins in September 2026.

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Why choose the Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship?

The EYTDA has been designed to develop confident, reflective and knowledgeable Early Years Teachers who can lead high-quality practice, inspire colleagues and improve outcomes for children.

By studying through an apprenticeship, you can:

  • Achieve a BA (Hons) Early Years with Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS).
  • Continue working and earning while you study.
  • Apply your learning directly within your workplace.
  • Develop your leadership, pedagogy and professional practice.
  • Gain a nationally recognised Level 6 qualification.
  • Help shape high-quality experiences and outcomes for young children.

Who is the programme for?

The programme is designed for early years practitioners employed in an eligible early years setting who are ready to take the next step in their career and work towards graduate-level practice and Early Years Teacher Status.

It is suitable for practitioners looking to develop their professional knowledge, leadership skills and career opportunities while remaining in employment. Applicants must meet the programme’s academic, employment and funding eligibility requirements.

Entry Requirements

To apply for the Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship, you must meet the Department for Education apprenticeship requirements and the University of Greenwich’s entry requirements.

Typically, applicants will need to:

  • Be employed in an eligible early years setting throughout the apprenticeship.
  • Be supported by your employer to undertake the programme.
  • Be aged 16 or over.
  • Have the right to work in the UK and meet apprenticeship funding eligibility requirements.
  • Hold GCSE English Language (or Literature), Mathematics and Science at Grade 4/C or above (or recognised equivalent qualifications).
  • Meet the University of Greenwich’s academic entry requirements, including the required UCAS tariff or equivalent qualifications.
  • Successfully complete the University’s admissions and interview process, where applicable.

Not sure if you’re eligible?

Complete our Expression of Interest form or join one of our information sessions and we’ll be happy to discuss your individual circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

I already have a BA (Hons). Can I apply for the EYTDA to gain Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS)?

The Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship includes a BA (Hons) Early Childhood studies alongside Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS). If you already hold a BA (Hons), this programme is therefore not the most appropriate route.

If your goal is to gain Early Years Teacher Status, Pen Green will be offering Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) from 2027. We’d be happy to discuss the most suitable route for you.

I have a Level 5 qualification. Can I join Year 2?

Yes. The programme has been specifically designed so that practitioners with a relevant Level 5 qualification can join directly into Year 2.

As this is the first cohort of a brand new programme, there will be no Year 2 entry until September 2027.

During our recent information sessions, colleagues from the University of Greenwich also explained that some applicants may wish to register this year and defer their start, enabling their employer to access the available employer support grant. If you’d like to explore whether this might be right for you, we’d be very happy to have a conversation.

Can I continue to work while I study?

Yes. The EYTDA is a work-based apprenticeship, designed so you can continue in paid employment while studying.

Your learning combines:

  • workplace learning in your own setting
  • online teaching and tutorials
  • face-to-face study days at Pen Green
  • independent study and assignments.

The programme has been designed to fit alongside employment while ensuring you receive the support needed to become an Early Years Teacher.

What days will I need to attend teaching?

The programme includes a combination of in-person teaching at Pen Green (Tuesday), online learning, and workplace-based learning.

The teaching calendar is provided before the programme begins so that employers and apprentices can plan well in advance.

How does apprenticeship funding work?

As an apprenticeship, tuition fees are funded through the Apprenticeship Levy, depending on your employer.

Many employers may also be eligible for the Employer support grant when employing an apprentice on this programme.

Funding arrangements vary depending on your organisation, so we’re happy to discuss your individual circumstances and explain what funding may be available.

Are childminders eligible?

We know many childminders are interested in this new route. Whether you are eligible depends on the apprenticeship funding requirements and your employment circumstances, rather than the programme itself.

As every situation is different, we’d encourage you to get in touch so we can talk through your individual circumstances and advise on the most appropriate route.

Are applications open?

Yes.

Applications for our first cohort are now open and the onboarding process has begun.

If you’d like to find out more before applying, simply complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) Form and we’ll send you further information and keep you updated.

If you’re ready to begin your journey, you can complete the Onboarding Form and we’ll guide you through the next steps.

I'm still not sure if this is the right route for me.

That’s absolutely fine. Choosing the right qualification is an important decision, and we’re here to help.

Whether you’re considering the EYTDA, one of our existing degree programmes, or a future route to EYTS, we’d be delighted to talk through your options.

You can email us at enquiries@pengreen.org, send us a WhatsApp message, or complete an Expression of Interest. We’ll help you find the route that’s right for you.

Register your interest

We’re now inviting Expressions of Interest from both practitioners and employers.

By completing our Expression of Interest form you’ll be able to:

  • Receive the latest programme information.
  • Register for an information session.
  • Be among the first to receive application details.
  • Stay updated as the programme progresses.

Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship (EYTDA) Expression of Interest Form

Start your application

We’re now inviting applications from eligible practitioners wishing to join the Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship (EYTDA).

By completing our Onboarding Form you’ll be able to:

  • Start your application.
  • Tell us about your qualifications and employment.
  • Upload the information needed to support your application.
  • Receive confirmation of the next steps from our admissions team.

Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship (EYTDA) Onboarding form

Useful Documents and Supporting Information

Guidance for EYTDA employers (DfE)

EYTDA University of Greenwich

Watch our recorded information session