Teacher Training | Pen Green Children's Centre

Routes into Teacher Training at Pen Green

Teacher training at Pen Green Research, Training and Development Base offers a distinctive, research-informed route into the profession, grounded in relational pedagogy and a deep understanding of early childhood development.

Our Initial Teacher Training programme is accredited by National Institute of Teaching. From the 2025/26 academic year, following successful registration with the Office for Students and the award of New Degree Awarding Powers, trainees will be awarded their PGCE by the National Institute of Teaching.

Why study with Pen Green?

Pen Green has a long-standing national and international reputation for innovation in early years research, workforce development and practitioner inquiry. Our teacher training programmes are shaped by this research-active environment, ensuring that trainees engage critically with theory, policy and practice from the outset.

We believe that reflective practice and action research are central to effective teaching. Throughout the programme, trainees are encouraged to analyse their classroom experiences, engage with current evidence, and develop a thoughtful, principled approach to working with children and families — particularly those facing disadvantage.

Learning Within a Professional Community

Training with Pen Green means joining a dynamic professional learning community. Our cohorts are intentionally small, enabling strong relationships, personalised support and meaningful professional dialogue.

Trainees benefit from:

Close academic and pastoral support
Integrated tutor teams with backgrounds in early childhood, primary education, research and family support
Structured opportunities for reflection and collaborative learning
Ongoing feedback to strengthen confidence, subject knowledge and professional identity

Our tutor team is experienced, research-informed and committed to developing teachers who are resilient, reflective and responsive to the communities they serve.

Developing Teachers for the Future

Our vision is to inspire, challenge and innovate with teachers and early years professionals to improve outcomes for children and families locally, nationally and internationally. Through a combination of rigorous academic study, high-quality school placements and sustained reflective practice, we prepare teachers who are confident in their knowledge, skilled in their practice and committed to inclusive, relational education.

Choosing Pen Green means training in an environment where research, professional learning and social purpose are deeply connected — equipping you not just to enter the profession, but to lead and shape it.

Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT)

Achieve Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS)

New programme starting September 2027

Delivered by Pen Green Research, Training and Development Base in partnership with the National Institute of Teaching (NIOT).

Take the next step in your early years career

Are you a graduate working in early years and looking to develop your professional knowledge, confidence and practice?

Our Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) programme offers an opportunity to build on your existing experience, deepen your understanding of children’s development and learning, and work towards achieving Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS).

Further information on Early Years Initial Teacher Training

Initial Teacher Training (ITT)

The NIoT’s initial teacher training is a fully immersive school-centred programme – aspiring teachers will be in the classroom from the very start. But full immersion does not mean that you will be thrown in the deep end: our trainees are mentored and have central training once a week. And you’ll have the confidence of knowing that you are participating in a programme that was designed by some of the most experienced teachers and leaders in the country, drawn from four leading school trusts with decades of teacher-training between them.

We also know from experience what headteachers look for in new teachers – so we will ensure that you develop the skills necessary for finding an Early Career Teacher role.