Early Years Services (Childcare) Foundation Degree

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Study Mode: Part-time Course Level: 4/5

Delivered in partnership with The University of Wolverhampton*

If you are currently working in the early years' service - for example in a nursery or children's centre - but lack a higher level qualification, the Foundation Degree in Early Years' Service will give develop your knowledge and skills and enable you to progress further in your career.

The course will help you to develop a more in depth understanding of the theories of child development by looking at current research in the field and give you the opportunity to develop your skills by extending your understanding and knowledge of new developments and services in the sector.

The course provides an understanding of childhood incorporating all aspects of development of children and young people from birth to 19 years, as well as current legislation which affects young children and their family and will enable you to evaluate and develop appropriate teaching approaches and reflective thinking when working in the early years sector.

Throughout the course there is an emphasis on the development of practical, personal and professional attributes and includes developing a knowledge of supporting children in all aspects of the EYFS and implementing theoretical perspectives of how children learn into providing an age appropriate education and care environment.

Successful completion of the Foundation Degree will enable you to progress to a BA (Hons) Childhood and Family Studies at the University of Wolverhampton.

NOTE: You will have the opportunity to apply for 40 credits APL (accreditation of prior learning) at Level 4.

*APPLY NOW - applications for this course should be made directly to the University of Wolverhampton via this link

To access this course you are required to:

Be employed or have one-to-two years' experience working with children and families post qualifying or be in a long-term voluntary placement in an early years setting
Hold a Level 3 qualification in a related subject - eg NVQ Level 3, Diploma in Childcare and Education, BTEC National Diploma, NNEB Diploma or Level 3 Diploma Teaching assistant

We also offer the opportunity to accredit prior certificated learning at Level 4 through the APL system

You will also be required to have a satisfactory DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) check

During this course you will study the following modules:

Reflective practitioner
The role of play in childhood
Child development
Safeguarding
Children, family and society
Language and literacy in the early years
Developing critical reflection and practice
Developing knowledge and understanding in young children
Families and communities in context
Research methods

By studying this course you will:

Develop practical, personal and professional attributes
Gain knowledge and understanding of early year's policy and practice
Be able to challenge assumptions and responding to different views in an enterprising way
Adopt collaborative ways of working with children, parents and other professionals
Become digitally literate, share knowledge, reflect on practice and develop professionals who are enterprising with their ideas

Throughout the course you will be assessed in the following ways:

Practical, written and online assessments
Written assignments
In class tests
Presentations
Viva Voce (verbal exam)

Completion of this course will enable you to:

Progress to a BA (Hons) Childhood and Family Studies at the University of Wolverhampton
Pursue a career in early years' education in a number of roles including teaching, social work, health education, early year's management, children's information services, play services and community family support work
Apply for early years' professional status through the best practice network

We have a high success rate on this course and excellent feedback from our past students, many of whom have gone on to become teachers, family support workers and managers in a range of early years' settings.

The University of Wolverhampton highly recommends our programme and we work cooperatively with the university and other partner colleges.