Foundation Degrees and Professional Practice - Leeds Trinity University

TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR CAREER WORKING WITH CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE AND FAMILIES

Do you find yourself asking questions about how children, young people or families can be best supported in a modern world?

Would you like to explore some wider perspectives and debates regarding the lives of children, young people, communities or families? Do you need to work whilst developing your own professional skills?

If this sounds like you, then we invite you to join us on one of our Foundation degrees or Professional Practice (Top-Up) programmes. You’ll have the chance to develop your reflection, pursue your interests, broaden your knowledge base and deepen your understanding, whilst continuing within your current role working with children, young people or families.

I hope to meet you soon and welcome you into our stimulating, friendly and supportive work-based learning community.

About Leeds Trinity University

A small university with a big reputation, Leeds Trinity University is renowned for teaching excellence and producing highly employable graduates.

We’re proud to be known as the University where you’re a name, not a number, thanks to our commitment to ensuring everyone in our community, whatever their faith, feels supported and valued. Leeds Trinity has always been characterised by this sense of community spirit, offering a truly personalised university experience that enables students to flourish.

Our reputation for teaching quality and excellence has been developed thanks to a commitment to delivering outstanding teaching, led by research, scholarship and practice. Our teaching staff have extensive professional experience in their fields and many are active researchers, contributing to our increasing reputation for research excellence.

Dr Clarrie Smith Foundation degree and Professional Practice Programme Co-ordinator School of Children, Young People and Families

WHY STUDY WITH LEEDS TRINITY

Our Foundation degrees and Professional Practice (Level 6 Top-Up) programmes are work-based qualifications designed to professionally develop people who support children, young people or families in a wide range of integrated services including education, family support, social care, voluntary sectors, early years, childcare and youth services.

Learn while you earn

We’ve designed our Foundation degrees and Professional Practice programmes to be studied alongside a full-time job, so you can continue to earn while you learn. You’ll be on campus from half a day each week, alongside working or volunteering in a professional setting for a minimum of 12 hours per week.

Enhance your working practice

Our courses will allow you to expand upon your professional experience, giving you the chance to learn the theories behind current practice and further the knowledge and understanding required to carry out your role effectively. You will be able to gain a deeper understanding of teaching and learning and enhance your working practice by learning and applying your professional knowledge and life experience.

Learn from the experts

Our programmes are designed and delivered by practitioners at the forefront of their fields, with extensive experience working with children, young

people and families. They’ll engage you with their practice and research throughout the course. Our academics also work in close partnership with employers, such as local schools and Leeds City Council social care services.

Extend your networks

We’ve developed our programmes in a multi-agency context to give you excellent opportunities to network and learn from others studying on different pathways. We’ll encourage you to develop and extend your professionalism and support your fellow students, contributing to a rich learning experience.

Open doors to postgraduate study

We’re committed to developing outstanding professionals within the fields of education, children, young people and families. Not only does this benefit your experience of studying your Foundation and Professional Practice degree with us, but it also opens up further progression opportunities within higher education – whether you want to specialise in a particular area (e.g family support, education) or train to teach.

“Work-based learning at Leeds Trinity is fantastic and the staff are very knowledgeable. They recognise that students will also be working and support your workload in any way possible. I am a strong believer in professional development and Leeds Trinity matches the way in which I want to support my staff to develop within their chosen roles.”

Michelle Robinson Operations Director, Churwell CIC

AND SUPPORT

Leeds Trinity is proud to be known as the University where you’re a name, not a number.

We are committed to providing you with a truly personal experience, offering a wide range

of support tailored to you at every stage of your university journey. Whether you need academic skills support, help with your health and wellbeing, or you just need someone to talk to, you’ll find that help is available from lots of different places.

One-to-one academic support

As soon as you start your course, you’ll be assigned a personal tutor. They’ll take the time to get to know you and your learning needs throughout your degree, giving you personalised academic support to help you stay on track with your studies.

Learning Centre

The Andrew Kean Learning Centre is an ideal base for studying, offering hundreds of thousands of books, journals, specialist materials and digital resources. Inside you’ll find group study rooms, silent study zones, a 24-hour lab and modern teaching spaces. And if you need any advice or support, our friendly Library and IT staff are available to help you get the most out of your studies.

Learning Centre Helpdesk

If you need assistance with using the IT facilities or navigating your way around our learning resources, then just call at our helpdesk where our tech team and librarians can offer help and advice.

Learning Hub

We understand that no two students learn in the same way. That’s why you can access personalised academic and study skills support through our Learning Hub. Our advisers can give help and advice on anything from essay writing and effective note-taking to time management and revision strategies.

Peer support

Our Peer Support Champions are higher year students who can help you with anything you are worried or unsure about during your time at University. They have a wide range of backgrounds and areas of study and, as they have all been at Leeds Trinity for at least a year, can offer advice and support based on first-hand experience if you need it.

Student Support services

We also want to make sure that you look after your health and wellbeing. Our team of student support services staff can help you with personal and academic issues. If you want to speak to one of our trained mental health and wellbeing practitioners, are looking for advice on student finances and budgeting or need to access our disability services, we’ll help you get the support you need.

myLTU

Available on mobile devices and desktop, myLTU is our app which gives you information on what’s happening on campus and access to all you need for successful study and a fulfilling student experience. Check your timetable, view your student emails or renew your library loans all via myLTU.

DEGREES

Aimed at professionals without an undergraduate degree, our Foundation degrees have been carefully designed to build on your working experience, enhance your knowledge and gain recognition of your professional skills in a formal qualification, preparing you for career progression opportunities.

Course delivery

Our Foundation degrees are two-year, full-time programmes. You will spend half a day (one afternoon and evening) each week at University, alongside working or volunteering in a professional setting for a minimum of 12 hours per week.

If time commitment is an issue, single modules can also be accessed as accredited or non-accredited Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Graduate opportunities

On successful completion of one of our Foundation degrees, you’ll be able to progress on to any of our top-up degrees in Professional Practice, offering the opportunity to gain a full BA Honours degree after an additional year of study.

Your qualification could help you to progress in your current role, seek more specialist roles with children and young people or expand into new areas of practice. Following successful completion of the BA (Hons) course you will be well prepared to progress onto postgraduate study on one of our MA, MSc or PGCE courses.

For more information on our postgraduate provision, visit: leedstrinity.ac.uk/postgraduate

Modules

We run our three Foundation degrees as an integrated suite of programmes, so you can choose your pathway by reflecting on your own professional context and interests but can also benefit from multi-agency working through shared experiences and group learning.

You will study a variety of modules across your programme of study. The module details given below are subject to change and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

Year 1

Core modules

• Values and Roles of a Principled Professional

• Theories of Learning and Development

• Power, Inclusion and Diversity of Need

Option modules

You will be required to choose one option module from:

• Healthy Teams Supporting Healthy Children, Families and Communities

• Creating an Ideal Play Environment

• Higher Level Teaching Assistant Preparation Level 4

Year 2

Core modules

• Safeguarding and Promoting Wellbeing

• Reflecting on Research Informed Practice

Option modules

You will be required to choose one option module from:

• Specialist Co-ordinator Roles

• Behaviour and Learning in an Interconnected World

And one option module from:

• Risks, Rights and Social Justice in a Sustainable Society

• Play and Early Learning

• Higher Level Teaching Assistant Preparation Level 5

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Supporting

Course overview

Do you work in a role that supports the educational development of children and young people? This may include working with children or young people with additional needs, behaviour support roles or wider school-based staff.

Supporting Education, Behaviour and Additional Needs explores how best to create and maintain positive conditions for learning. It is designed for practitioners based in a school context fulfilling a variety of roles, such as teaching assistants, mentors or pastoral support staff.

You’ll examine the theories that underpin current practice, gaining an understanding of the sensitivities around issues of inclusion and diversity and the provision of additional support. You’ll have the opportunity to study a range of topics relating to supporting learning, from the intricacies of behaviour in an interconnected world, to the impact of healthy team work in a sustainable society.

Everything you learn will be underpinned by research and theoretical understanding, grounded in current legislation and informed by reflective practice alongside a critical awareness of individuals’ rights. You’ll reflect and expand on your previous experience, looking at how you can apply new theories and skills to your role to perform more effectively.

For the latest course information, visit: leedstrinity.ac.uk/foundation-degrees

Apply direct Length: 2 years

1.00pm – 6.00pm one day per week

Course overview

Do you work in a role that supports families or local communities? Would you like to examine current issues influencing modern life such as inclusion and behaviour in an interconnected world?

Supporting Families and Communities focuses on the skills and knowledge required for people working with families or within community provision.

Ideal for anyone who works to support children, young people or families within community-based practice, such as voluntary, charitable or youth services, this Foundation degree gives you the chance to expand the knowledge you’ve developed in your career so far. You’ll study a range of topics relevant to the implementation of governmental legislation, policies and strategies, gaining new academic skills that will help you to perform your role more effectively. This includes exploring healthy development, teamworking practices and specialist coordinator roles in the field of children’s or community services.

Studying alongside fellow professionals, you’ll reflect on your practical experience by looking at what you know and do well, as well as how you can improve your knowledge to be more effective.

For the latest course information, visit: leedstrinity.ac.uk/foundation-degrees

“I started a Foundation degree at Leeds Trinity whilst working as an administrator in a secondary school, then become a Progress Tutor at a Sixth Form college as I completed my BA. My progression has not only been down to my academic achievements, but also the expert knowledge and confidence I gained in my specialist area, along with the continuous encouragement and support I received from my tutors.”

Supporting Children and Families in Social Contexts FdA

Practice: Education Studies BA (Hons)

Shelly Johnson Progress Tutor

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE (LEVEL 6 TOP-UP) PROGRAMMES

Our Professional Practice degrees are designed to support students progression from a Foundation degree or similar Level 5 qualification in an area related to the support of children, young people and families. They offer a one-year top-up studying at Level 6 of a BA (Hons) degree.

These programmes aim to expand the skills required for a range of professional and managerial roles in environments working to support the development, learning and wellbeing of children, young people and families.

Upon successful completion of a Professional Practice degree, you will graduate with a BA (Hons) degree in your chosen pathway.

Course delivery

You’ll receive extensive support throughout your studies, starting with a specially designed induction programme. We also encourage you to identify a workplace mentor who could support you with your studies and research. You can complete our Professional Practice degrees full-time or part-time alongside existing work commitments. If you study full-time, your degree will last one year, and you’ll attend one full day per week. If you study part-time, your degree will last two years, and you’ll attend half a day per week (mornings in the first year and afternoons in the second year).

If time commitment is an issue, single modules can also be accessed as accredited or non-accredited Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

Graduate opportunities

In addition to supporting your professional career development, studying these qualifications can open up further progression opportunities within higher education - whether you want to specialise in a particular area or train to teach. Following successful completion of the BA (Hons) course you will be well prepared to progress onto postgraduate study on one of our MA, MSc or PGCE courses.

For more information on our postgraduate provision, visit: leedstrinity.ac.uk/postgraduate

“Through my studies, I’ve improved my knowledge and practice. As a result, I’ve changed the way I deliver certain aspects of my job, including setting the classroom out differently and the way that I deliver lessons to my pupils. Achieving my BA is one step further to achieving my dream of becoming a qualified teacher.”

Supporting Learning and Additional Needs FdA Professional Practice: Education Studies BA (Hons)

Mandy Hrintchuk

Course overview

Are you ready to progress in your career?

you want to become a leader in an early years setting?

You’ll have the opportunity to develop your subject expertise by exploring contemporary issues in the care, education, health and welfare of young children and their families. In the context of your own professional practice, you’ll evaluate current debates, government strategies and initiatives.

Applying theory to practice, you’ll undertake a range of work-based activities, including workplace analysis of the practices and models of management, teamwork, children’s learning and experience. You’ll develop an understanding of the key issues related to ethical practice, as well as learn how to reflect critically on workplace practices in a professional fashion.

Graduate opportunities

Once you graduate, you’ll be ready to begin a career as a nursery leader, family support worker, teacher, playworker, play therapist or social worker (after postgraduate study).

For the latest course information, visit: leedstrinity.ac.uk/foundation-degrees

Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Our BA (Hons) Professional Practice: Early Childhood Studies degree offers the opportunity to be recognised as an Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner through completion of Graduate Practitioner Competencies at Level 6.

Developed by the national Early Childhood Studies Degrees Network (ECSDN) and endorsed by the Department for Education, the Graduate Practitioner Competencies aim to strengthen the early childhood workforce and professional practice aspect of a degree.

You will study a variety of modules across your programme of study. The module details given below are subject to change and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

Developing

Play: Theoretical Perspectives

The assessed practitioner competencies are embedded into the degree programme, leading to a Level 6 award that evidences a holistic understanding of Early Childhood development and the ability to apply, critically evaluate and communicate theoretical knowledge into practice. Achieving practitioner status can help enhance your employability in the childhood studies sector or support you to progress to postgraduate study or higher-level professional roles.

Successful completion of the competencies alongside your degree will result in an award of BA (Hons) Professional Practice: Early Childhood Studies degree with an Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Certificate (ECGPC). For more information, visit our website.

Course overview

Do you want to further your career and become a teacher? Would you like to develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of educational practice within the primary school age range?

You’ll have the opportunity to develop your subject expertise by exploring contemporary issues in education. You’ll explore issues of support and inclusion for children with individual needs, as well as acquiring teaching skills, learning strategies and approaches to project work. You’ll also develop an understanding of the role education plays in the multi-agency workforce.

Applying theory to practice, you’ll undertake a range of work-based activities, including workplace analysis of the practices and models of management, teamwork, children’s learning and experience. You’ll develop an understanding of the key issues related to ethical practice, as well as learn how to reflect critically on workplace practices in a professional fashion.

Modules

You will study a variety of modules across your programme of study. The module details given below are subject to change and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

• Evaluating Current Debates and Developments

• Work-related Project

• Preparing to Teach

• Special Needs and Inclusion

Graduate opportunities

By the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to begin a successful career as a home school link worker, school-based support worker or primary school teacher (after further training).

For the latest course information, visit leedstrinity.ac.uk/foundation-degrees

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LEARNING, TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT

When you study on one of our work-based learning degrees, you’ll spend at least two days a week with an employer to reflect on theory and practice. Our students usually complete this with their existing employer; however, if you’re not employed, you can volunteer with a relevant organisation for two days a week. Work-based employment can be in a range of settings, including schools, children’s centres, nurseries, within children’s services in the local authority or voluntary sector, or in other provision for young people or those with specialist needs.

You’ll take part in a series of lectures and workshops, developing your presentation, discussion and critical thinking skills. You’ll reflect on your practical experience by looking at what you know and do well, as well as how you can improve your knowledge to be more effective.

Assessment

You will be assessed by a range of methods to demonstrate your academic knowledge, reflective practice and employability skills. These include:

• Written essays

• Portfolios

• Presentations

• Professional booklets

• Professional case studies

There are no exams. All assessments will be discussed at the start of each new module and detailed in the module handbook.

Entry requirements

You must have at least one year of relevant work experience or volunteering for studying on a Foundation degree, and continue in work-based practice for Level 6 of the Professional Practice degree.

For our Foundation degrees, you must have:

• a Level 3 qualification, such as BTEC, CACHE qualifications, A-Level, or you if you do not hold one of these, you could be asked to complete a Level 3 entry essay if you have significant previous relevant work experience

• GCSE English Language or English Literature at Grade C or 4 or above (or accepted equivalent such as level 2 Functional Skills in English)

• Support from your workplace to join the programme and a written reference from your employer which will also confirm whether you already have a DBS check

For our Professional Practice degrees, you must have:

• a Foundation degree in a relevant area or equivalent Level 5 qualification

• GCSE English Language or English Literature at Grade C or 4 or above (or accepted equivalent such as level 2 Functional Skills in English)

• Support from your workplace to join the programme and a written reference from your employer which will also confirm whether you already have a DBS check

For more information on our entry requirements, visit leedstrinity.ac.uk/foundation-degrees

“Deciding to return to education has turned into the best decision I’ve ever made. Being able to link university modules and discussions from lectures with professional practice in the workplace has been great. I have gained a better perspective of working with children and families.”

TO APPLY

Application forms for our Foundation degrees or Professional Practice programmes can be downloaded from our website. Please visit leedstrinity.ac.uk/foundation-degrees for the latest course information, including tuition fees, and to access the application form.

For more information about applying, contact our Admissions team at admissions@leedstrinity.ac.uk or on 0113 283 7123.

Application FAQs

Is there an application deadline?

We encourage you to apply for your chosen courses as early as possible. There is no set deadline for applications, but we require a minimum of two weeks for our decision and offer making process prior to the beginning of delivery of the programme (which is usually the second week in September).

Do I need my employer’s support?

Yes, as it’s a work-based learning degree, you will need support from your employer. This will need to have been approved and evidenced when you apply to us. You will also need a DBS certificate.

Do I need to include a personal statement?

Yes, you will need to include a personal statement as part of your application form. This is your opportunity to tell us why you would be suitable for the course.

I already hold a Foundation degree; can I apply for a Professional Practice Top-Up at Leeds Trinity?

Absolutely! Foundation degrees and Professional Practice programmes are stand-alone qualifications. We also understand that changing institutions can be a challenge, but at Leeds Trinity, you really are a name, not a number. We have a range of support available to help you with your transition and career aspirations.

Personal Statement tips

Writing your personal statement is your opportunity to tell us about yourself and why you want to study a Foundation degree or a Professional Practice Level 6 Top-Up degree at Leeds Trinity. Starting a personal statement can seem daunting, so here are some tips to get you going:

• Tell us what your aspirations are for the future

• Talk about the career you have and want, and why doing this degree will help you in achieving your goals.

• Don’t forget to sell yourself and show passion for the work you do.

• Write about your qualifications and experiences

• Don’t worry if your qualifications are from a while ago as we won’t just look at your academic achievements. We’ll take your circumstances into consideration, such as a break in your career, raising a family etc. Evidencing any transferable skills and writing about experiences away from your career could also be relevant and will give us a more detailed picture of you.

• Include any extra-curricular activities you’re involved in, such as volunteering. Not only do these demonstrate your enthusiasm and interests, but they also highlight your dedication and work ethic.

Ask a question

If you have any questions about our Foundation

the

Professional Practice degrees, please contact us