HND Advanced Practice in Work with Children and Families

About this course

Is this course right for me?

Are you passionate about the quality of education and care children receive? Do you want to make a difference to children's lives? Do you believe in developing every child's potential? Are you looking for an alternative route into teaching, or to work with children and families? If you answered a firm 'yes' to one of these questions, then our HND / HNC will enable you to acquire the knowledge, skills and qualities to work in a range of early years settings, or progress to the final year of an Honours degree.

What makes WCT the best?

We organise your Professional Practice (work experience) as it is a core part of the course and integral to the learning experience. We have an extensive database of approved work placements covering the whole of Worcestershire, and some neighbouring counties; this means we can usually place you near your home for the 800 hours of planned work experience. Professional Practice will offer you a wide range of work placement in nurseries, playgroups, preschools, reception, Year 1 and Year 2 classes. In the second year there will also be opportunities to 'shadow' nursery managers, professionals in a children's centre or support staff in a children's hospice. Our staff have extensive experience in education and childcare and can assist you to diagnose your career path in the early years or family welfare sector.

We have a strong emphasis on applying theory directly to practice in relation to working with children in classrooms and early years settings. We also emphasise 'reflective practice' so that you develop a professional approach to your professional development.

The delivery of the course is programmed into three or four days so you will have one or two study days free in the week.

If you are anxious about studying at undergraduate level with a specific learning disability, we have a positive approach and staff experienced in supporting students to reach their potential.

How will I learn?

You will be required to attend work experience for a minimum of one day per week and College for a further two or three days. If you are following the part-time programme your attendance at College (day time) will depend upon timetabling of your chosen specialist units. Additional study time will be required when you are off-site but if you need to access course materials you will be able to do this from home through the College's Virtual Learning Environment, which includes e-books.

What will I be doing?

You will study a range of units which will provide you with the theoretical knowledge, professional expertise and work-based learning relevant to a range of roles working with children 0 to 8 years of age. For the HND course your will study 16 units over two years and for the HNC route it is 10 units of study over two years.

A sample of the units:*

• Theories of Development: Birth to Three/Three Plus

In these units you will be encouraged to analyse, implement and evaluate different observational techniques in order to gain a deeper understanding of all areas of children's development.

• Early Years Curriculum, Play and Learning

This unit provides learners with an understanding of the nature of the early years curriculum and the importance of providing a play-based learning environment for young children.

• Understanding Children's Behaviour

This unit explores a range of concepts linked to the social world of the child and strategies which can be used to promote positive behaviour in young children

* New BTEC Higher Nationals in Advanced Studies in Early Years are currently being developed for accreditation onto the Qualifications and Credit Framework for 2012.

You will be required to attend 800 hours of assessed professional practice, (work experience), over 2 years. This involves attending one day a week placement, (Monday or Wednesday), throughout the course, plus ‘block placements’ of 3 days per week at various points in the year.  Professional Practice will enable you to develop and demonstrate the practical competences required of a Early Years Professional working with children 0 – 8 years of age.  You will develop the ability to apply the theoretical concepts developed in the college-based part of the course to the practical situations encountered in the work place.

Entry requirements

You will need 120 UCAS points:

Plus:

You will be required to attend an interview for the course.

You will need good interpersonal and communication skills and the motivation to study at a higher academic level. In terms of attitudes, you will need to be able to work with children and families in a non-judgemental way that values their diversity. You will also need a professional approach to being reliable and commitment to your ‘duty of care’ in terms of safeguarding children.

We welcome applications from mature students. Please contact the College for advice.

For help applying please call 01905 743456.

Assessment

You will complete a range of course work, including practical tasks at work placement, presentations, essays, case studies, portfolios and work-based learning. There are no formal examinations.

What next?

You can convert the HND qualification (Level 5) to a degree by progressing on to the third year of a degree (Level 6) programme at a university. After gaining Level 6, you can then apply for teacher training on a one-year PGCE course. An alternative university course is the Early Years Professional Status (EYPS: Level 6).

NB: Both the PGCE and EYPS courses require GCSE Maths and English at C’ grade

You will have a strong basis for a range of careers in the early years sector as an Advanced Practitioner in Early Years; Nursery Management; Child and Family Support Services; Primary Teaching (see above section)

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For help applying call 01905 743456