How about Teach First - Early Years Teacher Training with QTS?

Following the Nursery World article dated 10th April 2013, entitled 'Teach First extended to the early years' (http://www.nurserywo...ded-early-years), I excitedly accessed the Teach First website (http://graduates.tea...quirements.html) to make an application.

Upon struggling to find the required link, I emailed Teach First to get some help.

Imagine my shock at being advised that my qualifications are not sufficient to be considered to train to achieve QTS in Early Years.  - I have GCE O levels including English, Maths, Science, thirteen years experience in local authority nursery school,  a Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Policy & Practice (July 2011), a First Class BA(Honours) Degree in Early Childhood Education & Care (July 2012) and have achieved Early Years Professional Status (March 2013).

Teach First advised that, to train to teach 3 - 7 year olds, I should instead hold a 2:1 degree in one of the following core subjects:

·         Art & Design
·         Design & Technology
·         English
·         Geography
·         History
·         Computer Science & ICT
·         Maths
·         MFL (French or Spanish)
·         Music
·         Physical Education
·         Religious Education
·         Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics
·         Psychology

Or possibly two A levels at grade B or above in those subjects.

I am thoroughly speechless that my specific and protracted studies during the past five years, relating specifically to Early Childhood Education & Care, have such minimal relevance to accessing Teacher Training with QTS for the Early Years!

I am also stunned that accepted degrees have so little relation to the EY sector!

What does everyone think!