Course summary

Foundation Degree students are integral to the on-going development of the early years’ workforce, nationally, regionally, and locally. Students will actively engage in research and enquiry, gaining a critical understanding of the processes within the development of services, enabling them to gain insight and understanding relating to how babies, toddlers and young children develop and how this can be supported. The programme will support students to develop intellectual and sector skills, and importantly link theory to practice. A central aspect of the programme is that students will gain the opportunity to examine various ways in which children and childhood may be understood and conceptualised through their understanding of the philosophies, beliefs, and attitudes that champion children’s rights. They will also consider the challenges and intricacies of multi-agency and multi-professional practices and reflect on this within their own professional context. Graduates of the Foundation Degree Children’s Learning and Development are advocates for babies, toddlers and young children and champion their rights. The Foundation Degree enables students to build on experience as an early year’s practitioner and develop new strategies for supporting children and working alongside colleagues and parents. Career progression is varied and may include: Senior/Lead Nursery Practitioner; Pre-School Leader; Play Leader ; Room Leader/Section Leader; Deputy Manager; Setting Manager; Upon completion of the Foundation Degree in Children’s Learning and Development, there is also the opportunity to progress to the Early Childhood Studies top up programme and gain a Batchelor of Arts (BA Hons) in one year. This will give opportunities for further professional development, for example, going onto Teacher Training programmes, Local Authority based work (such as family liaison officers) and other related professions.