Help please! AITSL assessment - Early Childhood Teacher

[Conandviv]

Would my primary PGCE make me eligible for AITSL assessment as Early Childhood Teacher since one of my main teaching placements was in KS1 with children under the age of 8, providing the placement was longer than the required 45 days?

 

Any clarification would be gratefully received!

[Linda21]

Hi, I was in the same position. I have a degree in Childhood Studies and a PGCE in Early Years and Primary Education (specialising in KS1/KS2) but I also had to prove I had experience with Early Years. Fortunately, I have been working as a supply teacher for a couple of years so have some experience working with nursery/reception children - this proved sufficient to pass my AITSL assessment. Do you have to apply for Early Years? What about the primary teacher assessment?

 

I'm only saying because I have just finished the process and the AITSL assessment is only your first stage if you want to actually teach in Early Years. To teach early years you have to pass the ACECQA assessment and that does require a placement or work experience with 0-2 and 3-5 year olds (includes a minimum of 10 days with 0-2 year olds). They may take into account voluntary work for this, as they did with me but it all depends on what experience you have overall with 0-5 year olds. Good luck with the process and give me a shout if you require any more info. I hope this all makes sense.

[Linda21]

Oops one last point - have you spent a minimum of 4 years at uni? This is one thing they will not bend on!

[Conandviv]

Oops one last point - have you spent a minimum of 4 years at uni? This is one thing they will not bend on!

 

Thanks for your reply.

 

My university qualifications are a 4 year BA and MA combined, Master of Modern Languages degree from the University of Manchester, awarded in 2004 and a primary PGCE (with Modern Foreign Languages) from Manchester Metropolitan University awarded in 2005.

 

If I get AITSL assessed as Primary Teacher, with it not being on the SOL, would I be able to apply for a 189?

 

I have experience working with EYFS/reception children and a lot of experience in working in Special Educational Needs provision, so I originally assumed I would meet criteria for Special Needs Teacher, which is on the SOL, but that requires a specific SEN qualification. That's why I was wondering whether I would meet the Early Childhood Teacher assessment criteria.

 

Not sure which is the best route for me, any advice/guidance would be gratefully received.

[Linda21]

You will need to check criteria with AITSL as it doesn't mean you have to work in Early Years once you get the visa. AITSL is purely for visa purposes only. I know I was told I could do any job once I arrive. So you could then still apply for primary or SEN work.

[Linda21]

Hi, I'm no expert on this but why do you need the 189? What about the 489? You could apply to AITSL as a primary teacher and then apply for State Sponsorship as its on the CSOL list. Just check its in the SA occupations list too. Are you also tied to SA or can you go to another state? Might be worth considering depending on which states are looking for primary teachers. Good luck.

[Conandviv]

Hi, I'm no expert on this but why do you need the 189? What about the 489? You could apply to AITSL as a primary teacher and then apply for State Sponsorship as its on the CSOL list. Just check its in the SA occupations list too. Are you also tied to SA or can you go to another state? Might be worth considering depending on which states are looking for primary teachers. Good luck.

 

Thanks for the advice, I'll look into it and get some advice from an RMA. My sister lives in Adelaide, so we do really want SA.

[Linda21]

Hi, I've looked through what I sent to AITSL and it was evidence of teaching placements in mixed Y1/2 and Y3. I had also carried out supply work in nursery and reception. Although my PGCE was Early Years and Primary Education I focussed on KS1 and 2 not EYFS but still passed the assessment. Ultimately once you pass AITSL you don't need to pursue EYFS.

[wrussell]

Might be worth considering depending on which states are looking for primary teachers. Good luck.

 

NT Vic WA

[Conandviv]

Hi, I've looked through what I sent to AITSL and it was evidence of teaching placements in mixed Y1/2 and Y3. I had also carried out supply work in nursery and reception. Although my PGCE was Early Years and Primary Education I focussed on KS1 and 2 not EYFS but still passed the assessment. Ultimately once you pass AITSL you don't need to pursue EYFS.

 

Thanks for the info! :-)

[Conandviv]

NT Vic WA

 

Helpful info, thanks! :-)