Early Years Educator

Overview
What can I do with this qualification?
What will I learn about?
Fees

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Overview

The Early Years Educator (EYE) Level 3 qualification is already incorporated into our AMI Diploma 0-3 and 3-6 courses but we are delighted to now offer this course to any AMI Diploma graduate (irrespective of where they studied), who may be seeking work in the UK and needs this qualification.

The course has two components:

Online self-study learning which can be completed in your own time
A self-arranged teaching practice placement in a UK early years environment where there is a Montessori-trained mentor to assess your teaching

Details

course Part time

Location Blended

Next course Ongoing - start the course at any time with 12 months to complete

Course format Online self-study learning plus teaching practice placement in a UK early years setting

Entry requirements AMI 0-3 or 3-6 Diploma

Who is this course for? AMI 0-3 or 3-6 Diploma holders who have not gained the EYE qualification already

What can I do with this qualification?

The Early Years Educator (EYE) qualification, awarded by Innovate Awarding, entitles the holder to be included in the ratios of staff to children for delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in an Early Years setting in the UK. This means you will be counted as a qualified member of staff in any UK Montessori or nursery school or early years setting, which enhances your career options.
Most UK settings require employees to hold this qualification, but please note that you must also have the right to work in the UK to apply for any UK-based jobs.

Montessori Careers Training Information Session

What will I learn about?

Overview of child development and early years

Understanding the patterns of development for children from birth to 7 years old, the curriculum for this stage and the role of play, using assessment to evaluate learning

Safeguarding and health and safety

Understanding safeguarding and health and safety guidelines and how to respond to concerns

Supporting children hollistically

Awareness of children's emotional wellbeing and supporting identity and culture and transition to school

Working with parents and colleagues

Good communication in an early years setting and working in partnership with parents and other professionals

Course Format

This self-study course takes place via an online learning platform where you can study at your own pace and in your own time, completing the course within a 12-month period from the time of enrolment.
In addition, you will need to undertake a teaching practice placement in a UK early years environment where there is a Montessori-trained mentor to assess your teaching and complete a teaching practice assessment form. The length of the placement must be three full weeks in order to fulfil the teaching practice requirements and complete the written teaching practice assignments. Students need to organise the placement themselves, or it could be undertaken in their current workplace in the UK.

Fees

Course fee for 2025-26 academic year: £350

Training Information Session Ask A Course Advisor

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Part time

Apply for Early Years Educator

£350

Next course dates

On-going
Course format

Online and practice placement (at your place of work or organised by you)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Apply Now Training Information Session

Do you accept students from outside the UK?

Although much of this course is studied online, the teaching practice placement must take place in a UK setting. Please note the course is only open to AMI Diploma holders with the right to work in the UK.

Where is the training located?

Online self-study learning in your own time with additional placement at a Montessori setting in the UK – students must organise this placement themselves.

What are the hours of the course?

This is an online self-study course completed in your own time and a teaching practice placement in a Montessori setting. The placement needs to be three full weeks to meet the EYE requirements for the teaching practice component.

Do you offer help in finding a job after completion of the course?

We advertise jobs at the Maria Montessori School on our Work with Us webpage where you can also find links to AMI and Montessori Society job listings. We share details of school vacancies and other external vacancies with our students.

What if English isn't my first language?

You need a good level of English to succeed on our courses. All applicants need to demonstrate their ability to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English. If the highest qualification you hold was not studied in English, you may need to provide an English language qualification/test.

What is the application process?

Applicants are asked to complete our online registration form, then pay the £350 fee online

Do I need to organise a teaching practice placement?

Yes – students must organise their own placement and send details of the environment to the Maria Montessori Institute, including the lead teacher’s Montessori Diploma details.