Career change and EYPS - advice appreciated

[charlottecasiraghi]

Sorry if I sound a bit vague but I'm just mulling this idea around in my head.

I qualified as a (mature!) primary school teacher 8 years ago but never got to do my NQT year due a surprise pregnancy I've been a SAHM and worked for my husband's business (not education related) since then.

I'm now looking to go back to work and have decided I'd like to work with pre-school or reception class children. Unfortunately, my QTS is for age 5-11. I would therefore appreciate any advice about how I could follow this route.

Could I study for EYPS whilst working/volunteering in a nursery or playgroup or pre-school?

TIA

The best thing to do is ask your local EYPS provider. I was in a similar position to you having done my B.Ed in the primary age range back in 1987. I never did my NQT year but worked as a bookseller for 13 years instead. In 2000 I had a baby & I left retail and became a childminder, a job I still do & love.
I did EYPS in 2010 and was very surprised to be offered the short pathway by Chichester & validation only by OU (which is what I did) as I didn't think they would count my degree as relevant given it was for the wrong age group, but my 10 years childminding and the fact I had completed 2 early years related L3's counted for a lot. Obviously that's where we differ and why I suggest asking the provider. Also since I did it EYPS has been revised and there are fewer pathways now, and different entry criteria.
I would have thought that at worst you would have to do the full time pathway as you already have a degree.

QTS is QTS if you have it. That you haven't validated your NQT year could be an issue but if you still could do that you are eligible to teach in any age range if you can find a job.

Instead of necessarily doing EYPS I'd look at whether anyone would accept taking you on as an NQT in their Foundation Stage section.

Thanks for your replies.

Job applications and attempts to get supply work have been unsuccessful. The reasons given by schools is that it's such a long time since I qualified and they have so many applicataions for Foundation/KS1 posts that they can be choosy. Supply agencies have said the same, whilst my QTS is still relevant, it's too long since I gained it for them to put me forward for work.