On my journey to Early Years Teacher Status..

It's been just over a week since I got the wonderful news that I have been accepted on to the very first intake of students for the Early Years Initial Teacher Training programme which starts in September 2013.

I am obviously thrilled to bits that I got through the application process and moreover that my setting (which a childminder by registration) is 'hopefully', if I pass, going to be led by Early Years Teacher within the next year.

Already I feel that I have to defend the qualification/status because there seems to be a bit if negativity or perhaps misunderstanding about it.  I should point out that the misunderstanding could be on my part because information regarding the details of EYT has not been forthcoming. I have of course been able to see the Teacher Standards that I will have to evidence that I meet.  Obviously I believe I can or I wouldn't have applied.  Other than that I have had to rely on my application form, written task and two interviews and hope that I was selected because they demonstrated that I will be able to achieve it.

The main cause of concern seems to be that there seems to be no focus on play in the new standards and there is a worry that the standards are geared towards a more formal approach to learning.

I haven't interpreted them in that way. 

3.1 have a secure knowledge of early childhood development and how that leads to successful learning and development at school.

Well my knowledge of childhood development, which I'm sure will be broadened along the way, leads me to believe that for the under 5s at least that effectively using play can lead to learning and development.  So that is what I will be seeking to evidence here.  

4.2 promote a love of learning and children's intellectual curiosity

Again what better way to do this than through play?

I suppose there may be a question mark over 3.4 and 3.5 which require an understanding of systematic synthetic phonics and appropriate strategies in the teaching of early mathematics.  The way it has been explained to me is that because EYT covers the whole of the foundation stage ie. until the end of the reception year that I will have to gain some experience within reception year in school even though I work with the under 5s.  I don't see any problem with a slightly more formal approach in reception year and am looking forward to experiencing some of their teaching methods.  This does not mean that I, when working with under 5s I will be teaching as if I'm a school in the same way that my setting is home-based and I don't want to make it like a nursery.

Of course I will be making critical analyses of not only the EYFS but also the EYT standards as anyone doing a postgraduate qualification would so I reserve the right to reflect, learn, change and improve.

EYT is one aspect of 'more great Childcare' that I do think is a positive thing so I am hoping that other professionals will embrace it.

To see the EYT standards see www.bestpractice.co.uk/teacher-standards-early-years