Sector Endorsed Foundation Degree in Early Years

About this course

Is this course right for me?

Are you passionate about the quality of education and care children receive? Do you aspire to lead a setting and have a positive impact on the quality of provision? 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, the FdA in Early Years will enable you to develop your personal and professional qualities to further your career in early years.

What makes WCT the best?

This programme is offered in partnership with University of Worcester. It is a flexible programme and is designed to enable students to obtain a degree level qualification whilst employed or working voluntarily in their chosen early years setting.

The course adopts a child-centred approach to Early Years. It provides a framework for academic and professional skills development and learning is embedded within your developing knowledge, understanding and experience in practice. The programme, which sits within a culture of inter-agency working, requires you to maintain high standards of care and education. You will be empowered to develop your personal and professional qualities within a framework that supports inclusion and diversity.

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?

The programme is taught over three years part-time. Each academic year consists of two semesters. These run from the end of September until mid-December and from the end of January until May. As a part-time student you will attend one-day a week, (Monday for 2012 starters) for a full day, (9.00 – 5.00pm). 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 University of Worcester's Virtual Learning Environment, which includes e-books.

In each semester attendance at a 'Saturday conference' held at the University in Worcester is also required. Students are encouraged to use all of the extensive facilities of the University as well as those in their partner institutions.

Teaching and learning strategies will include lectures, workshops, seminars, presentations/displays, tutorials (group and individual), work-based portfolio building, directed study and directed reading. The use of a wide range of approaches will help us to meet the learning needs of a range of candidates and their individual learning styles.

What will I be doing?

The course starts by gradually introducing you to the study skills necessary to succeed at University and to develop as a reflective practitioner. It moves on to consider child development, children as learners, the early years curriculum, child protection and other relevant areas of study. It requires self-directed study and the ability to link theory to practice. In the final year you will be required to engage in a small-scale enquiry to enhance the quality of children's learning in the workplace. Practice learning can be supported within a range of early years settings including children's centres and childminders.

You will be required to work in an OFSTED approved setting either as an employee, or volunteer, for at least 7 hours per week for the duration of the course.

Entry requirements

140 UCAS points from a Level 3 qualification, plus English Language at  grade ‘C’. An alternative assessment is available for students who do not have GCSE English at ‘C’. As a part-time student, if you do not hold the above qualifications, you will be considered on the basis of prior experience.

You will also need a current police clearance to work with young children ( Enhanced CRB check) and attend an interview.

For help applying please call 01905 743456.

Assessment

You will complete a range of course work, including case studies, presentations, essay, reflective practice tasks, portfolios and work-based learning. There are no formal examinations.

What next?

After graduating from the Foundation Degree in Early Years (FDEY), you can apply to study the ‘top-up’ Honours degree in integrated Early Childhood Studies, or other related subjects from which it is possible to apply for a PGCE (Qualified Teacher Status) course ( providing you have Maths, English and Science at GCSE). The FDEY is also a route to the Early Years Professional Status (EYPS), again providing that you have Maths andEnglish at GCSE at grade ‘C’.

In areas other than education, the FDEY is a suitable basis for a range of careers in social work, children’s charities, nurseries, day-care, schools and the Health Service. 

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For help applying call 01905 743456