ALTRINCHAM- based Teaching School, the Alliance for Learning (AFL), and Bright Futures SCITT are extending their portfolio of teacher training opportunities in partnership with Bolton-based Teaching School, Primary Alliance for Learning (PAL), by launching their new Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS).

AFL and Bright Futures SCITT, who are based at Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, and PAL, who are based at St Bede Primary Academy, Bolton, are the only school based training providers in the North West to be able to offer the EYTS.

The EYTS offers postgraduates the opportunity to train as Early Years Teachers and it is the ONLY route into teaching for which the government will pay tuition fees in full. There are also training bursaries of up to £5,000 available, depending on your degree classification.

The first five years of a child's life are the most important in their development, when they learn to build relationships and learn about the world around them. There is plenty of evidence that shows brain development is most rapid during a child’s early years. UNICEF says that efforts to improve early child development are an investment, not a cost.

More costly long term interventions can be avoided later on with excellent early years education.

We know that pupils who start off in the bottom 20% of attainment at age five are six times more likely to be in the bottom 20% at key stage 1 compared to their peers.

Lisa Fathers, head of Teaching School (AFL) and co-principal of Bright Futures Educational Trust, commented: "We are keen to talk to any graduates in the North West who are considering a career in the early years sector or who are already working in nurseries and day care centres."

Kal Hodgson, Bright Futures SCITT Director, added: "The training we provide is the perfect start - or boost - to a career in a growing sector which is placing more and more emphasis on professional qualifications. We're really pleased to be offering some of the UK's best training here in Greater Manchester."

To find out more about EYTS contact the Early Years team at AFL on 0161 912 5912, email admin@allianceforlearning.co.uk or visit www.allianceforlearning.co.uk. The Bright Futures SCITT and PAL are also hosting information evenings where staff will be on hand to discuss the routes into early years, primary and secondary teacher training: Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, Cavendish Road, Bowdon, Altrincham WA14 2NL - 21st March, 7.00pm - 8.00pm; 27th April, 7.00pm - 8.00pm.