Introduction

Overview of the Programme Aims:

• Provide students with a broad and balanced knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of working with children from birth to 5 and leading in the Early Years; • Enable students to gain insights into the babies and young children’s learning and development from a range of evolving academic and professional perspectives; • Provide opportunities for students to explore the holistic nature as well as the complexities and the breadth of children’s learning and development from birth to 5; • Enable students to view the Early Years landscape as a site for democracy, sustainability and social justice with young children being active participants in all decisions related to them; • Equip students with an up-to-date knowledge and understanding of the regulatory and legislative frameworks relevant to the Early Years environment; • Expose students to the challenges and intricacies of working in and leading multi-agency and multi-professional practices within the Early Years provision for children, their families and communities, nationally and internationally; • Draw on a wide range of national and international research evidence to enhance students’ critical engagement with the subject and equip them with the skills of becoming independent researchers and reflective professionals and leaders; • Offer students inspirational and innovative learning, teaching and assessment opportunities to help them engineer their own learning experiences and realise their full potential as educators and leaders; • Develop personal and transferable skills and attributes required from a graduate Early Years practitioner and a leader; • Develop students as independent, critical and reflective learners with a commitment to lifelong learning, including their ability to evaluate their own progress effectively and plan their next steps; • Enable students to recognise and challenge inequalities in society, and embrace an anti-bias approach, acting as an advocate for babies, young children, families and communities; • Enhance students’ career opportunities via widening students’ perspectives on the variety of career progression opportunities in the sector as well as a further progression to BA Hons top up degrees.