Open University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
Helping children reach their full potential starts with understanding how they learn. This certificate is ideal for anyone interested in the learning and development of young children, including practitioners in early years settings or those looking for a career working with children from birth to seven. You’ll explore diverse perspectives on childhood, the importance of play and creativity, and how policy shapes early education. Through this, you’ll build a strong foundation in theory and practice. It also prepares you for further study and opens up opportunities to support young children and their families across a range of professional settings. Key features of the course
- Develops your understanding of young children’s learning and development
- Focuses on young children’s play and creativity within the context of the family and early childhood settings
- Includes national and international perspectives on early childhood
- Builds a solid foundation for further study
Modules
This qualification has one stage comprising 120 credits. You’ll study two modules that explore how children learn, and the importance of children’s play.
How to apply
To apply for this course you will be taken to the provider's website, where you can find out more information and make an application.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
There are no qualification requirements for this course.
You do not need to be working with young children in order to study this qualification; however, in both core practice-focused modules we strongly recommend you gain direct experience with young children (birth to 7 years, 11 months). Students not working with young children (employed or in a voluntary capacity) will need to negotiate opportunities to gain such practical experience. It is your responsibility and that of your employer – not the OU’s - to ensure the necessary Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (or equivalent if not working in England) required for the setting and country in which you’re working is obtained and that you meet the ‘fit person’ criteria for work with young children. If you are in any doubt about your eligibility, or to find out more, contact the relevant agency in your country.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
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
2026/2027 academic year fees are not yet available.
Provider information
Open University
Student Recruitment Team
PO Box 197
Milton Keynes
MK7 6BJ