Press Releases
University offers early chance for toddler teachers
Release Date : 02 July 2007
Making sure children get the best start in life at an early age is high on the list of priorities of staff at the University of Reading's Institute of Education.
They are encouraging those who work with youngsters to enrol on to its hugely popular Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) programme, beginning this September.
EYPS is awarded to those who can demonstrate they meet a set of national, graduate-level standards when working with children from birth to the age of five. The standards set out the knowledge, understanding, skills and other professional attributes that an EYP will need.
Anyone working in Private, Voluntary or Independent settings including childminders, with a degree or foundation degree, is eligible for the programme.
On Tuesday 3 July, the University is hosting a presentation ceremony for the recent successful EYS candidates and their guests, to officially recognise their hard work and congratulate them in earning EYPS. They are part of the first national cohort for a status that will be awarded by the Secretary of State.
Professor Andy Goodwyn, Director of Teaching and Learning at Reading, will present the certificates and badges. Also attending the event are representatives from local authorities across Berkshire and from the University of Reading partner colleges.
"These staff will contribute to the reform of the Early Years workforce to improve outcomes for all children," said Kriss Turner, the EYPS Director. "The rigorous assessments, which include a demonstration of intellectual and leadership skills, ensure that candidates who gain EYPS are of the highest calibre.
"The University of Reading is extremely proud to offer the chance for Early Years staff to earn EYPS and I look forward to welcoming our new intake later on in the year."
For more information about EYPS please contact Mandy Booty, EYPS coordinator, tel. 0118 378 5810 or email a.booty@reading.ac.uk
Ends
Photographers are welcome to attend the presentation ceremony which begins with lunch at 12.30pm in the conference room at the Institute of Education, Bulmershe Court Campus. Certificates will be awarded at around 1pm.
For all University of Reading media enquiries, please contact James Barr, Press Assistant on 0118 378 7115 or email j.w.barr@reading.ac.uk
Notes for editors:
EYPS is the Government's response to the national consultation on the future of the children's workforce. It identified the benefits of developing the role of the Early Years Professional and confirmed the Government's aim to have EYPs in all children's centres by 2010 and in all full day care settings by 2015.
The Institute of Education runs a number of different pathways for EYPS, for staff with differing needs and experiences. Training is free to students; settings receive supply cover and many settings are also eligible for further LA Transformation fund support, linked to achievement of the award. The next cohort starts in September 2007.