OPINION: It's time to invest in those who shape children's earliest years
The early years sector has faced years of underinvestment, workforce shortages and growing demand. Lesley Boyle, Senior Lecturer in Early Years at the University of Hertfordshire, argues that the Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship offers a vital opportunity to strengthen the profession and invest in those shaping children's futures.
The early years sector has experienced significant underinvestment over the past 15 years, alongside a recruitment and retention crisis and the emergence of childcare deserts – areas where parents are unable to access the high-quality childcare their children need.
Despite overwhelming evidence that the earliest years of a child's life are foundational for later learning, wellbeing and life chances, the sector has often been viewed as a poor relation compared with other phases of education.
The government's vision to place an Early Years Teacher in every nursery setting marks an important shift. It sends a clear national message that early years teaching is highly skilled, intellectually demanding and worthy of investment. Just as importantly, it recognises the crucial role early years professionals play in shaping children's futures and reducing inequalities before they become entrenched.
The introduction of the Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeship is another significant step forward. Historically, the early years workforce has not always had accessible routes into graduate-level professional development. The programme creates a genuinely inclusive pathway into early years teaching, enabling practitioners to remain in employment, continue supporting children and families, and gain both a degree and Early Years Teacher Status through a funded route.
The benefits extend beyond individual learners. Settings gain highly knowledgeable practitioners who are equipped to take on leadership responsibilities and raise the quality of provision. The programme is particularly attractive because it can be funded through the apprenticeship levy, alongside an additional £8,200 of government funding to support learner release for study commitments.
What is especially exciting is the programme's potential to address challenges created by years of underinvestment while opening doors for talented practitioners who may never have viewed higher education as accessible. Many early years practitioners bring exceptional expertise and experience but have not always had opportunities to progress through traditional routes. The apprenticeship model recognises and builds on that existing knowledge, providing the academic understanding, leadership skills and professional confidence needed to progress further.
As a result, practitioners are empowered not only to enhance their own careers but also to become leaders of pedagogy and advocates for children within their settings and communities. The programme aligns closely with a child-centred philosophy of education. High-quality early years education is about far more than preparing children academically or meeting their physical needs. It requires a deep understanding of child development, positive interactions, secure relationships and the importance of nurturing curiosity.
The course gives practitioners the opportunity to critically reflect on these principles and apply them directly within their practice. In doing so, it develops early years leaders who are equipped to advocate for both children and childhood itself.
For those considering applying, the programme offers an opportunity to make a meaningful difference while continuing to work in practice. It is a demanding programme because working with young children is important work, but it is also supportive, collaborative and designed to help practitioners succeed.
At the University of Hertfordshire, we have a strong track record in teacher development and a reputation for being supportive, learner-focused and deeply committed to our students' success. We take pride in helping learners develop confidence in themselves as educators, leaders and advocates for young children.
Ultimately, the course represents an investment in people – those with the potential to make a lasting difference to children's lives – while helping to strengthen and professionalise a sector that has never been more important.