Selection event for PGCE Early Childhood Education and Care (0-5) with Early Years Teacher Status

What is a selection event?

It is a process to assess whether you are suitable for a place on the course. It is a chance to show us your knowledge of early childhood education, or your enthusiasm for it. Being invited to a selection event doesn't mean you're guaranteed a place on the course - the point of the day is to help us come to a mutual decision. We need to decide whether to make you an offer and you need to decide whether you like the course and the university. To find out what will happen on the day, see the information below. The timings listed may be approximate, so please keep your plans flexible. 

When and where is my selection event?

If you're invited to a selection event you'll receive an email telling you when it is. Most interviews are conducted in person at our campus, but some are online depending on staff availability.  

It's important to be on time. If you are delayed then you should email Kath Bransby, the course leader, on k.bransby@shu.ac.uk 

What happens on a selection event?

You will meet the Course Leader and a member of the Early Years teaching team. The selection event will last approximately half an hour and will include:  

• a teaching task (to last 5 minutes)
• a personal interview (approximately 20 minutes)

We will aim to make the event as relaxed and comfortable as we can.  

The teaching task

You should prepare to carry out, or to describe, an activity that is suitable for young children. The task should last approximately 5 minutes. You are welcome to use any resources to support your activity. 

In this task we will be looking at your potential to be a good early childhood teacher, including your communication skills, how you invite participation from children, and how you create opportunities for learning within the activity.  

Do I need to prepare anything in advance?

You will need to prepare and practise your teaching task, and to have the materials and resources that you will need for the activity.  

What do I also need to present?

For the interview you should bring the following.

1) Identification

You must bring photographic identification (photo ID). If possible please bring a passport or photo driving license. If you do not own either of these, other forms of photographic identification will be sufficient for the selection event but should you be offered a place on the course you will be required to present further official identification documentation to complete the professional requirements for the course. Full details of the ID evidence you will require can be found in the UK Government's guidance.

2) Qualifications

You do not need to present your qualifications at the selection event, but you will need them to enrol on the course. Please ensure that you have the original certificates; if you do not, contact the awarding body as soon as possible to have them reissued.

What are we looking for?

At this stage we assess your

• ability to communicate clearly, both orally and on paper
• curiosity about how young children think, play and learn
• warmth, patience and respect for the perspectives of children, families and colleagues 
• openness to reflecting on your practice, learning from feedback, and developing as an early years teacher 

What should I wear?

Dress reasonably smartly, but you don't need to wear a suit. Smart but casual clothing will allow you to feel confident and at ease.

What happens after my selection event?

We will usually be able to let you know our decision on the same day as the selection event, either by phone or by email. If this is not possible, we will contact you within 48 hours. You will receive one of the following decisions: 

Conditional offer for the course that you have applied for – you must fulfil certain criteria (usually based on the qualifications you are currently taking) before you can be accepted on the course. If the requirements are met, the offer becomes unconditional.

Unconditional offer for the course that you have applied for – usually made when you have already completed your qualifications and met the academic requirements we are asking for.

Unsuccessful – unfortunately we are not able to offer you a place on the course. We do not feel that you have the necessary skills or experience to be successful on one of our courses. However, this does not prevent you from applying in the future, should you undertake further study to develop your skills and experience.

Disability support

If you have a disability (this includes sensory and physical disabilities, dyslexia, mental health conditions and medical conditions) and you feel that you will need some support during the selection event process (for example, a sign language interpreter, note taker, materials provided in different format), please inform the tutor upon receipt of your invitation to the selection event.

Disability advice whilst studying at the University

You may or may not have indicated that you have a disability on your application form. In either case, the Disabled Student Support Team is keen to hear from you. If you would like to meet or talk to an advisor to discuss, in confidence, possible support whilst studying, please ring +44 (0)114 225 3813 or email disability-support@shu.ac.uk

Please note that any offer of a place is subject to acceptance by you of the University's terms and conditions. If you require a printed version, please contact Admissions on 0114 225 5555. You must read these terms and conditions before accepting any offer.