Is the EYPS worth it ?

Is the EYPS worth it ?

by: c - 22-11-09 17:19

I am thinking about doing the 3rd year at university. course is combined with the EYPS. Is it worth it? what are the benefits to doing the course? is it hard?

by: scarlett

Im just finishing 3rd year foundation degree and am looking at doing a joined up honours/eyp for the 4th year, so would also be interested in views on this,

I think in my mind it might be easier to manage if Ive got the one course to do,

by: Lolo

I am doing the short pathway after some years experience in various roles.  I am really enjoying the taught part but finding there is a lot of paperwork.  I think that as the 2010 and 2015 deadlines come, there will be more roles where you need to be an EYP, so it is worth doing in that sense.  

by: c

Thanks I have found an university that deos the EYPS and 3rd year together, so just need to decide what I am going to do. lolo- ru enjoying the course????  

by: red sun

I'm just on the 2nd year of a top up to BA(Hons), I will then do the EYPS, though whilst I am keen on career/self development I dont really want to do it, but I will especially for the resons stated by Lolo. Also why should someone with a degree in say media be able to be classed as an Early Years Professional after 12-18 months, when I who has 20 years experience in childcare with a whole load of qualifications not be classed as an Early Years Professional unless I do validate my experience. Though I guess that is a whole other debate!!!

by: Lolo

I am enjoying the course, mainly because you get to meet and network with other professionals.  And I like studying.  I can't say I have exactly learnt anything new - certainly nothing has really come up in the classes that I couldn't have got from a reading list.  But that is OK - the good part is that you are largely putting the work in in your own setting, not comepleting loads of assignments that aren't transferable.

I know someone on the 12 month course (Long pathway?).  She says it is lots of work -  like a PGCE in terms of what you are asked to do.  

I think that working towards the Standards for EYPS can only be a good thing, so form the point of view of improving your practice it is a good thing. 

by: luvlilin

hi i completed foundation degree in july 09 all i want to do is work with under fives. however i thought i had to do the b.a to then become an eyps. ive enroled but hate it. right on top of xmas theres too much to do and im really stressed out. now someones told me i dont need b.a just do long pathway on eyps. is this correct?

RE: RE: Is the EYPS worth it ? - 04-12-09 22:38

by: Kez

I'm doing the same as you.

You do need to be enrolled on the BA to qualify to do the EYPS long pathway - you will have received funding to do the 60 credits at level 6 (which is half of the final year of the BA).  The other pathways are all for people who are currently graduates.

I am also finding it stressful, working 40 hours a week, studying in the evenings and also trying to gather evidence for the EYPS, but think that it will probably be worth it in the long run.

RE: RE: RE: Is the EYPS worth it ? - 06-12-09 12:20

by: c

Keep going. I am a deputy manager of a nursery and I am working a 32 hour week... maybe get employer to change your hours for you

by: kaz (the first one!)

My BA and EYPS are both the same course. Who are you doing wit with? I'm doing it with the NDNA with the OU as I did the rest of my FD with them.

by: dawn p

luvlivin,

 In the cwdc candidate handbook it states that the full training pathway is a year long  but states that it is for graduates with limited experience, that looks like you do have to finish your degree. On this pathway you will have at least 18 weeks placements to gain some of the experience you need.

 Hope this helps, I think some unis are doing the EYPS course as a 3 year degree maybe you could look into joining one of these with your foundation degree, dont know?

by: Lolo

You don't need a full degree if you have a foundation degree, as you can top up to the full degree at the same time as working owards EYPS.  However, I think that having a full degree is probably worthwhile, especially if you want to say transfer to teaching or to a different field.  I guess it depends on how much individuals are able to take on at any one time,

by: c

Thanks I have an interview with Greenwich and they are doing it as 3rd year course with a BA

by: louloudi

decided to continue to BA after FD. Haven't signed up for EYPS yet but I think I will after doing BA.  Would it be a 12 month validation period?

by: Tunja

Mine was a 3 month validation as I had an early years degree and lots of experience for all age ranges.

by: Boots

Hang on in there everyone!  I gained EYP status in 2007.  Since then so many doors have opened up for me and i am enjoying every moment.  It is definatley worth the struggle.

by: c

Right thanks I am hoping to do the course with Greenwich university and I am just writing a 400-600 word essay on the work for an EYPS for my interview next week.. I am a bit nervous about it though. Any advice... I want to go into primary school teaching

by: Boots

Make sure your grammar and punctuation is spot on.  Also eligable handwriting and presentation is a must.  EYP's work with children from birth to 5 so i amguessing you want to teach nursery or reception age children.  Good Luck!

by: c

Thanks boots it was an essay that I had to do and I got husband to proof read it and check it, Yes I do want to teach reception class children as well... thanks for the tips every1 and I will let you know what happens. The interviewer at the interview at the end, said you did very well... so fingers crossed

by: billabong

Well, I've read all of your posts and if you want your salary to match the time you spent qualifying , then you have to go into teaching. Sorry to be so direct BUT THAT'S IT!!!

by: c

Thank you very much for that... I am on a good salary so I am hoping my employer will get me to the top of the payscale by the time I have qualified next year with my FD and 3rd year of the BA.

by: red sun

Don't totally agree billabong; I'm a nursery Manager with good qualifications and a good salary that matches them. Hoping to move further up the career ladder in the next couple of years when I will be earning more; teaching is not the only option for a good salary!

by: c

so is the next step nursery management then? or teaching? Any advice please; what should I do after the foundation degree in september 2010

by: red sun

I guess that depends entirely on you. I can't imagine myself teaching at all, it really doesn't appeal to me, either children or adults! Yet Nursery Management I love! And I guess I get to do some "teaching" in my job (a) of the children when I get chance to go into the rooms and (b) of the staff, or rather mentoring, particulalry when they are working towards an NVQ.

As I said in my previous post I am hoping to move up the career ladder probably within nurseries in the coming years.

Good luck with whatever you decide

by: c

Janny -what job do you do at the moment then

by: red sun

I'm a nursery Manager.

by: red sun

I'm a nursery Manager.

by: c

That's great brilliant. I have dcided to go into teaching as it is more socialable hours, better recognisation as well, better pay as well