University of Hertfordshire launches one of the UK’s first Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeships

The University of Hertfordshire has announced the launch of one of the UK’s first Early Years Teacher Degree Apprenticeships, opening for its first cohort in September 2026. It is the first course of its kind in the East of England since the Department for Education (DfE) introduced the new route for the forthcoming academic year.

The new programme arrives at a critical moment for the early years sector, which continues to face severe recruitment and retention pressures nationwide.

Herts’ new apprenticeship forms part of the Government’s Best Start in Life ambitions, which set out a commitment to ensuring every nursery setting has access to a qualified Early Years Teacher. The DfE is heavily investing in the route, with non-levy paying settings eligible for 95% government funding towards training costs. The DfE is also providing financial incentives for early years teachers who work in areas of deprivation.

Building on the University’s strong track record in Early Childhood and Initial Teacher Training - including recent recognition as Best ITT Provision by the Daily Mail Good University Guide in 2025 - the new apprenticeship offers a high‑quality, debt‑free pathway into the profession for both new entrants and those already working in early years settings.

A key feature of the programme is the University’s newly developed specialist early years simulation room, designed to replicate a high‑quality nursery environment. Introduced in January this year, this dedicated teaching space enables apprentices to engage in hands‑on, practice‑based learning, from developing confidence with intimate care routines to designing enabling environments using flexible, child‑ and adult‑height furniture. The space ensures that theory is meaningfully connected to real‑world practice, supporting the development of confident, reflective and highly skilled Early Years Teachers.

Lesley Boyle, Senior Lecturer and Early Years Lead at the University of Hertfordshire, said:

“The early years workforce is vital to children’s development, yet the sector has faced significant challenges for more than a decade. This new apprenticeship provides a high‑quality, accessible and fully-funded route into the profession, supporting both employers and aspiring practitioners. We are proud to be among the first universities in the country to offer it.”

Recruitment for the first cohort is now open, with the University advising early years settings and prospective apprentices to express interest ahead of the summer period.

For more information, employers and prospective apprentices can contact apprenticeships@herts.ac.uk or visit our Early years teacher degree apprenticeship information sessions.

Read more about Herts’ BEd (Hons) Early Years Education with EYTS (Degree Apprenticeship) Course.