Early Years Professional Status (EYPS)
What is Early Years Professional Status?
Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) is a professional status, not a qualification, for practitioners working in the early year's sector to recognise their expertise as practitioners and professional leaders. Practitioners who are awarded this status must have demonstrated that they have met the EYP standards, which will equip them to lead and deliver best practice in the field of early years.
Who is EYPS for?
EYPS is aimed at:
- people currently working in the field of early years who can lead and develop good practice
- graduates from other fields who may wish to work in early years
What are the Qualification Requirements?
EYPS is a graduate level status and there are a number of development pathways people can follow to achieve EYPS. These different pathways are designed to recognise the range of skills, experience and backgrounds that individuals have, however, if you already have a full degree or equivalent qualification you will be eligible for either:
- the four month, Part-Time Validation Pathway
- the Short Extended Professional Development (EPD) Pathway which lasts for approx six months
- the Full Training Pathway which lasts for twelve months full‑time.
- If you have an Early Years Foundation Degree (Level 5 – National Qualification Framework) or an equivalent qualification, you will be eligible for the Long Extended Professional Development Pathway, which lasts for 15 months.
What are the different pathway options?
There are four pathways available to you:
EYPS Validation Pathway (Assessment only)
This is for candidates who have met the pathway entry requirements are very experienced practitioners, who are close to demonstrating/meeting the EYP standards. The route usually involves six and half days' preparation and assessment over a three/four month period.
EYPS Short Pathway – 6 months (part time)
This pathway is for candidates with a relevant early year’s degree e.g. Early Childhood Studies or QTS status in the primary age range and can demonstrate all the Standards with either babies, toddlers or young children, but not all three age groups. The individual's skills are assessed and a programme is agreed with the candidate in preparation to meet the EYP Standards.
EYPS Long Part Time Pathway – 15 months (part time)
This pathway is for candidates that have an Early Years Foundation Degree or an equivalent Level 5 qualification, or a degree in an unrelated subject but with substantial experience across the 0-5 age range. It is envisaged that candidates will need longer placements or training to meet the knowledge and experience requirements.
EYPS Full Pathway - 12 months (full time)
This pathway is designed for candidates with graduate level qualifications and/or QTS in secondary age range and usually very limited experience with children 0-5 years
Sept 2008
