Early Years (0–8) FdA

Early Years (0–8) FdA Pathway or Professional Practice University of Worcester and Herefordshire & Ludlow College

KEY FACTS

Level: 4 & 5 Attendance: Full-time (one day per week) Duration: Two years Location: HLC Hereford Campus Application: UCAS course code X312 (pathway) or X313 (professional practice) campus code C

This course combines academic rigour with practice-based experience to allow students to develop as reflective practitioners. The course gives applicants the opportunity of following one of two pathways:

Early Years (0–8) Pathway This is the best pathway for those who already have a ‘full and relevant’ level 3 qualification. It enables you to further develop your professional practice within early years or to progress to a teaching career.

Early Years (0–8) Professional Practice Pathway This pathway allows you to meet the Early Years Educator (EYE) standards and achieve ‘Full and Relevant’ status by the end of your course. This is important to employers as it lets them count you in EYFS staff: child ratios at level 3 (subject to approval).

The aim of the programme is to play a significant role in the ongoing development of the early years workforce. The course aims to provide a child-centred approach as well as a framework for academic and professional skills development. The programme sits within a culture of inter-agency working. Students are expected to develop their personal and professional dispositions within a framework that supports inclusion and diversity. On successful completion of the Foundation Degree, you will be a graduate of the University and you will be equipped to apply theory to your practice. You will also be equipped to go on to study for the BA Honours Top-Up degree for Integrated Working with Children and Families. It is possible to study the top-up degree at the College’s Hereford Campus where it will be run by the University of Worcester. Course Content

Year 1 • The Developing Child • Health and Wellbeing • Playful Pedagogy • Introduction to Work-based Learning or Theory for

Early Years Educator Foundation Graduate

Year 2 • Childhood, a Global Perspective • Policy into Practice • Safeguarding Children’s Welfare in Early Years • Small Scale Practice-based Enquiry and Future

Progression or Early Educator Small Scale Practicebased Enquiry

Assessment

The course provides opportunities to test understanding and learning informally through the completion of practice or ‘formative’ assignments. Each module has one or more formal or ‘summative’ assessments, which are graded and count towards the overall module grade.

Assessment methods include presentations, reports, posters, essays, a long study, practice-based learning portfolios, observations of children’s learning and practice-based enquiry and professional reflective journal. Assessment is directly related to current practice expectations and is integrated within all of the course’s teaching.

Preparation for summative assessment is structured into teaching methods through the formative processes of active induction, guided exploration, self-organising learner and self-organised learner. You have an opportunity throughout each module to submit formative work and will receive formative, constructive feedback and feedforward from tutors (and peers where appropriate) that will support your preparation for summative assessment.

Entry Requirements

• Four GCSEs at grade C or above including GCSE English Language at C or above (or recognised equivalency). Evidence of Level 2 Literacy is required, for example Key Skills Level 2 or GCSE English Language at C or above or equivalent. If you do not have evidence of Literacy at Level 2, it will be necessary to complete a non-standard entry essay to demonstrate competence in written English. Maths GCSE at grade C or above (or recognised equivalency) is desirable. Plus:

A minimum of one A Level or a level 3 qualification equivalent to three or above A Levels, for example the CACHE Diploma or EdExcel BTEC National Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning and Development. The current UCAS tariff requirements for entry are 32 UCAS points In addition to this, practitioners who do not hold the qualifications outlined above will be considered on the basis of prior professional experience and related learning The University of Worcester is committed to offering education to a diverse range of applicants. If you have prior learning (APL) which includes accreditation of certificated learning (APCL) and experiential learning (APEL) you may be able to use these to gain credits towards the Foundation Degree

The following are required for both standard and non-standard entry: • A statement of support from your current employer to provide the time, opportunity and support for work-based requirements and release to attend university-based study • A testimony from an appropriately qualified referee • Evidence of current police check (DBS) clearance to work with young children Progression

Those graduating from the foundation degree programme may apply to study for an Integrated Working with Children & Families BA (Hons) Top-Up Degree or other related subjects, from which it is possible to apply for a PGCE (Qualified Teacher Status) course and Early Years Professional Status (EYPS). This is providing you also have English, maths and science at GCSE grade 9–4 (A*–C) for PGCE; EYPS requires English and maths GCSE at grade 9–4 (A*–C). The Foundation Degree Early Years is also a suitable basis for a range of careers in social work, children’s charities, nurseries, day-care, schools and the health service.

Course Fees

£9,250 per year (at time of print) - University of Worcester fees policy applies. All fees are subject to change; please check with the relevant provider and see the Money Matters section on page 18.

A Disclosure and Barring Service check is required for this course. Please refer to the University of Worcester’s DBS Policy for further details. A DBS will cost £44 plus a yearly update service of £13 per year.

Any transport costs for work placements would need to be met by students.

Contact Enquiries Call: 0800 032 1986 Email: enquiries@hlcollege.ac.uk

FdA Early Years

“I previously studied the Level 3 Childcare course at the College, then took a break from education to expand my skills and knowledge, working abroad for three years and in various other roles. I then decided to further my education and started the Foundation Degree in Early Years.

I enjoy the flexibility of the course, as I only study in college one day per week, so I am still able to work alongside attending college. I chose this college in particular as I had a really enjoyable past experience studying the level 3, with great facilities and a decent learning environment.

I really enjoy the discussion part of the course, as you can learn from each other and I love studying from both a practical and theory point of view. There is a lot of support from staff and learning in small groups suits my style of studying.

I plan to follow on from this course with a top-up degree and then I want to go into the School Direct training programme for teacher training within a primary school. The College has set me up for my future career and I would recommend the course to anyone who wants to further their education in early years.”