An initial 30 candidates with a 2:1 degree or better are being recruited to a two-year postgraduate course in November, while a further 30 will be recruited in autumn 2011. Canterbury Christ Church currently offers EYPS and an Early Years MA as separate courses, but the new programme combines both levels, providing placements in the first year and a working role in the second, while completing the masters.
Tuition fees are covered as part of the package. Students will also receive a busary of £8,000 in the first year and a working wage of about £17,000 in the second. The programme offers students extensive mentoring and support throughout, including help with subsequent career progression.
Thom Crabbe, national manager for early years at CWDC, said, 'This is not just about attracting recent graduates but about people with the right credentials, whatever their age or experience. We want to recruit applicants with the aptitude, skills, abilities and motivation to make first-class leaders.'
He added, 'This is a a new programme on a small scale, but if it proves successful it has the potential to have a powerful effect on the status of the early years workforce as a whole.'
Children's minister Sarah Teather added, 'This is a fantastic new programme designed to encourage the very best graduates to sign up to be leaders in the early years sector. "New Leaders in Early Years" will help to raise the profile and status of those working with young children - which is crucial to giving every child the opportunity and confidence to grow and achieve in life. I hope that talented and committed men and women will sign up to be a part of this exciting new opportunity.'
A selection centre will be set up in September to gauge applicants' suitability.
Further information
Visit www.newleaders.org.uk or email info@newleaders.org.uk
