What if I am not ready?

What if I cannot do it?

What if I am not confident enough yet?

For many people thinking about becoming an Early Years Teacher, taking that first step can come with uncertainty.

Jacqueline Humphreys understands that feeling.

When she began Early Years Initial Teacher Training, Jacqueline was already passionate about working with young children and making a positive difference to their development. She wanted to strengthen her knowledge, develop her practice and challenge herself professionally. But like many people beginning something new, there were also moments when she questioned what she was capable of.

Today, Jacqueline is an Early Years Teacher and the winner of the Greatest Impact on Setting Award. Her journey shows how much can change when you give yourself the opportunity to try, learn and keep moving forward.

"Believe in yourself and don’t let self-doubt hold you back."

Why Jacqueline chose EYITT

Jacqueline started EYITT as an Early Years Practitioner with a clear reason for wanting to progress.

Her passion for working with young children was already there. She wanted to build on her experience and strengthen the difference she could make in her practice.

"My passion for working with young children and making a positive difference in their early development inspired me to begin my Early Years teacher training."

For Jacqueline, EYITT offered the opportunity to deepen her understanding of child development, strengthen her teaching practice and work towards becoming an Early Years Teacher.

"I wanted to develop my knowledge, skills and confidence to become a better practitioner and provide children with the best possible start in life."

She did not wait until every uncertainty had disappeared before starting. She decided to give herself the opportunity to see where the journey could take her.

Learning through real experience 

Throughout EYITT, Jacqueline was able to build her knowledge while putting what she learned into practice. Her school placement was one of the most valuable parts of the programme. It gave her experience of a different learning environment and the opportunity to observe different teaching approaches.

"The most valuable parts of the programme for me were developing my knowledge and understanding of early childhood development and gaining confidence in my teaching practice."

Jacqueline also developed her understanding of systematic synthetic phonics through her experience of Read Write Inc. This changed the way she approached phonics in her everyday teaching. She became better able to recognise opportunities to bring phonics into children’s daily learning in ways that were engaging and meaningful.

The programme was not only helping Jacqueline learn more. She could see that learning beginning to shape the way she worked with children.

Support when plans changed 

Not every part of Jacqueline’s journey went exactly as expected.

During the programme, she needed to change her school placement. It could have been a difficult point in her training, but Jacqueline did not have to navigate the change alone.

"My tutor was incredibly supportive throughout my entire journey, always offering guidance, encouragement and reassurance when I needed it."

Her tutor helped her make a smooth transition into her new placement, allowing Jacqueline to stay focused on her training and continue developing her practice. The change ultimately became another valuable part of her experience.

"I had moments when I doubted myself, but with determination, hard work and the support of my tutor, I achieved more than I ever imagined."

Seeing the difference in her practice 

As Jacqueline progressed through EYITT, she began to see the difference the programme was making in her everyday work.

She developed a deeper understanding of children’s learning and development and became more reflective about her own teaching. She also felt better prepared to plan and deliver meaningful learning experiences and support children at different stages of their development.

"The biggest difference the programme has made to me is the confidence I have gained in myself and my abilities as an Early Years teacher."

For Jacqueline, that growing belief in herself was backed up by what she could now do in practice. She had new knowledge to draw on, new experiences to learn from and a stronger understanding of the Early Years Teacher she wanted to be.

A moment to recognise her impact

One of Jacqueline’s proudest moments came when she received the Greatest Impact on a Setting Award. The award recognised the hard work, dedication and passion she had brought to her training.

"It was such a special achievement and meant a lot to me, as it recognised the hard work, dedication and passion I had put into my training."

For Jacqueline, receiving the award was also a chance to stop and recognise just how far she had come.

"It gave me a real sense of achievement and made me reflect on how much I had grown in confidence, knowledge and skills throughout my journey."

The Early Years Practitioner who had begun EYITT wondering what she might be capable of was now being recognised for the positive difference she was making within her setting.

Jacqueline’s advice to someone considering EYITT

Looking back, Jacqueline can see a very different version of herself from the person who first started the programme.

"Before this programme, I never thought I’d be able to achieve so much or have the confidence to recognise my own potential."

She began EYITT wanting to develop her knowledge and become a better practitioner. She finished the programme as an Early Years Teacher with greater belief in her abilities and a clearer understanding of her own strengths.

"This programme has taught me to believe in myself, recognise my strengths and be proud of the Early Years teacher I have become."

That experience shapes the advice she would now give to someone who might be questioning whether they are ready to take the same step.

"Believe in yourself and don’t let self-doubt hold you back."

For Jacqueline, belief did not mean having no doubts at the beginning. It grew through learning, experience, support and seeing what she was capable of along the way.

"My advice to anyone considering this programme would be to go for it! Believe in yourself, stay motivated and don’t be afraid to ask for support along the way."

Her final message to someone considering EYITT brings her journey back to where it began.

"You might just surprise yourself with what you can achieve."

Explore Early Years Initial Teacher Training

Choose the option that best describes your current situation to explore the EYITT route for you.

I work in an Early Years setting

→ Graduate Employment Based route

I work in a school-based nursery or Reception class

→ Foundation Stage route

I am a childminder

→ Childminder route

I am not currently working in Early Years

→ Graduate Entry route