Course summary
This qualification is designed to meet the needs and expectations of students aspiring to work in the early years environment. This course offers a stimulating and challenging programme of study that will be both engaging and memorable for students. The assessed practice element in this qualification is recognised as ‘full and relevant’ by the Department for Education (DfE), which means students holding this qualification in England can count in the staff:child Level 3 ratios in an early years care or education setting as outlined in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework. The essential subject knowledge that students need to progress successfully into further study or the world of work, a simplified structure that enables students to undertake a substantial core of learning in the Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) and build on this in the Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND), with optional units linked to their specialist area of study. Modules at Level 4 include Play and Learning in Early Childhood, Promoting Inclusive Early Education and Care Environments and at Level 5 Investigating Childhood: Action Research for Early Childhood Practitioners and Improving Quality in Early Education and Care Environments. The course content is closely aligned with professional body, employer and higher education needs. Assessments consider cognitive skills (what students know) along with effective and applied skills (how they behave and what they can do). There is a varied approach to assessment that supports progression to Level 6 and enhances different learning.

Modules
At Level 4 the modules are: Unit 1: Personal and Professional Development through Reflective Practice Unit 2: Protecting Children in Early Education and Care Environments Unit 3: Play and Learning in Early Childhood Unit 4: Supporting and Promoting Children's Development (Infants and Toddlers) Unit 5: Supporting and Promoting Children's Development (Young Children) Unit 6: Promoting Healthy Living Unit 7: Preparing for Research (Pearson-set) Unit 8: Promoting Inclusive Early Education and Care Environments At Level 5 the modules are: Unit 9: Investigating Childhood: Action Research for Early Childhood Practitioners Unit 10: Improving Quality in Early Education and Care Environments Unit 11: Managing and Leading People in Children’s Early Education and Care Environments Unit 12: Managing Children’s Early Education and Care Environments Unit 13: Mentoring and Supervision in Early Education and Care Practice
Assessment method
There will be awarding body set assignments based on a contemporary theme within early years and education. Each module has a variety of assessments including written reports, essays, presentations and professional discussions. Work experience is fundamental in the development of effective professional practice, learning and progression in this sector. Therefore, the assessment of learning on, or through, work placement/experience is an essential requirement of this qualification.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
This course is not accepting applications from students requiring a Student visa. For more information, please contact the course provider.
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- UC26
- Institution code:
- N34
- Campus name:
- Queens Drive Campus
- Campus code:
- Q
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
We are unable to consider international students that require a student visa to study in the UK.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - PPP
Student Outcomes
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £7000 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £7000 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £7000 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £7000 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £7000 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £7000 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
New College Swindon University Centre
New College Drive
Swindon
SN3 1AH
