iQTS Early Years (3-7)

The International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) Early Years programme is a fully online, practice-based teacher training course designed for educators currently teaching young children aged 3-7, including Kindergarten teachers. Delivered by Canterbury Christ Church University and accredited by the UK Department for Education, this programme enables you to achieve UK teaching credentials whilst continuing to work in your current school.

Unlike traditional academic courses, iQTS focuses on developing your professional teaching practice through real classroom experience. You'll participate in approximately 25 online training sessions throughout the year, guided by experienced CCCU tutors who specialise in early years education.

The programme requires you to teach across the full early years curriculum—including English, Maths, Science, and Humanities—demonstrating the breadth of teaching skills essential for this age group. This comprehensive approach allows you to meet all International Teachers' Standards for early years education.

Training Components:

• 25 Online Training Sessions: University-led sessions covering early years pedagogy, child development, play-based learning, assessment, and professional development
• In-School Teaching Practice: Weekly lesson recordings uploaded to your online portfolio, demonstrating teaching across multiple curriculum subjects
• Virtual School Experience: A 2-week online placement in June providing additional teaching context and fulfilling the second placement requirement

Assessment:

There are no academic essays or written assignments. Instead, you build a comprehensive reflective online portfolio showcasing your teaching practice, lesson planning, and professional development. Assessment is based on demonstrating the International Teachers' Standards through your classroom work.

At the end of the programme, you complete a professional presentation to demonstrate your teaching expertise. Assessment is pass/not pass—if additional development is needed, you continue with tutor support until standards are met.

Upon successful completion, you achieve International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS), awarded by the UK Department for Education. This is a lifetime qualification with no expiry date, widely recognised by international schools worldwide.

iQTS is equivalent to UK QTS and aligns with English Teachers' Standards. It is particularly valued in international schools and opens career opportunities in countries including Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.

If you later move to teach in England, your iQTS automatically converts to full UK QTS after a simple 2-week assessment period at your UK school—no additional training required.

Each trainee receives comprehensive support:

• Link Tutor from CCCU: Personal academic support throughout the programme, conducting online reviews and lesson observations
• School-Based Mentor: A colleague at your school who observes your teaching monthly and provides feedback through the online portal
• Professional Learning Community: Connect with fellow trainees globally through online forums and collaborative sessions

Entry Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree (any subject) from a UK or internationally recognised institution
• GCSE-equivalent qualifications in English, Maths, and Science
• Currently employed in a teaching role or have guaranteed access to teach throughout the 10-month course (minimum 4 classes per week, 140 days total)
• Must teach the whole curriculum including English, Maths, Science, and Humanities
• IELTS 6.0 or higher (for non-native English speakers without a UK PGCE)