30Mar
UndergraduateCourse summary
The FdA Children’s Learning and Development is designed for professionals already working, volunteering, or leading in areas within the children`s workforce. Students could be child minders; early years practitioners; support assistants working in either a mainstream or special school; teaching assistants; managers or advisors working in the early years sector with a focus on services for children aged 0-8 years and their families. Their employment could be in a diverse range of sectors, which may include supporting families in the community, working in family centres, or supporting children in schools. 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.
Modules
This on campus course aims to provide a balance of intellectual and practical skills – these 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. Graduates of the Foundation Degree Children’s Learning and Development are advocates for babies, toddlers and young children and champion their rights. 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. The high-quality learning experiences within the Foundation Degree for Children’s Learning and Development will ensure that students obtain a range of transferable skills needed for their successful career advancement. This is achieved through a two-way process, where the learning in an academic environment is applied in the work environment therefore academic study informs provision and practice. There is a requirement to attend taught sessions one evening per week, as well as engage with online activities, as part of a blended learning approach. Course Structure: Modules: Level 4 Child Development [20 credits] Play [20 credits] Observation and Assessment [20 credits] Planning Effective learning Environments [20 credits] Celebrating Difference [20 credits] Reflective Practice [20 credits] Level 5 Children, Families and Communities [20 credits] Safeguarding [20 credits] Creative Critical Thinkers [20 credits] Leading and Supporting in Professional Practice [20 credits] Mathematics in Early Childhood [20 credits] Research [20 credits] All modules are subject to availability and this list may change at any time Additionally, the programme will require approximately 8-12 hours a week of private study to access study materials and engage with wider reading and research. This vocational award is a work-based course, where you’ll build upon your experience through modules in areas such as child development, safeguarding, creativity and critical thinking, and working in partnership with parents. Our on-campus sessions include lectures, as well as tutorials and seminars. The course also incorporates a great deal of group work, which will be an opportunity to share experiences with fellow professionals working in a range of settings. On this course you will be encouraged to become an active enquirer and participant in your own learning. Progress and achievement are assessed using a variety of methods, such as essays, case studies, ePortfolios, poster and oral presentations, research, and leaflet designs. Occasional changes to modules and course content may take place. Students will be notified when applicable.
Assessment method
The primary way of delivering this programme is on Campus This vocational award is a work-based course, where you'll build upon your experience through modules in areas such as child development, safeguarding, creativity and critical thinking, and working in partnership with parents. Our on-campus sessions include lectures, as well as tutorials and seminars. The course also incorporates a great deal of group work, which will be an opportunity to share experiences with fellow professionals working in a range of settings. On this course you will be encouraged to become an active enquirer and participant in your own learning. Progress and achievement are assessed using a variety of methods, such as essays, case studies, ePortfolios, poster and oral presentations, research, and leaflet designs.
How to apply
25Jan
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:
- CS2G
- Institution code:
- N64
- Campus name:
- University Campus North Lincolnshire
- Campus code:
- N
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
This course may be available at alternative locations, please check if other course options are available
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
Applicants would usually require a Level 3 qualification in a work-related area and at least 2 years’ experience of working within the Children’s Workforce, for example, in a registered early year setting or in a school as a Teaching Assistant Additional Requirements: • A current satisfactory DBS Enhanced Certificate • Practitioners are required to either be in paid employment or undertaking a voluntary placement for a minimum of 2 days per week. It will underpin practitioners’ experiences in the workplace through studying a suite of modules that will enhance and support career progression. GCSE Requirements: Grade 4/C in GCSE English and mathematics is desirable but not essential. If you do not have these qualifications, you will still be accepted onto the programme but would need to realise that future employment might require this. English language requirements: IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5 Writing, Speaking, Reading and Listening (or recognised equivalent) We are committed to creating educational opportunities for people from a variety of backgrounds and situations. If you have been out of formal education for some time, and/or you do not have the qualifications stated, we might still be able to consider your application and offer you a range of support. We are here to help. Please get in touch to find out more.
Unistats information
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
| England | £7770 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £7770 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £7770 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £7770 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Your Tuition fees cover most costs associated with your course (including registration, tuition, and assessment).
There may be some extra costs that you might need to make, or choose to pay, for example:
Books (you’ll have access to books from your module reading lists in the HE library, but you may wish to buy your own copies)
Printing and photocopying
Trips and enhancement opportunities
As the programme requires vocational hours within the Mental Health and Wellbeing arena, you may be required to pay for an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check if you are not in possession of a current one or registered on the update service.
Provider information
DN Colleges Group
The Hub
Chappell Drive
Doncaster
South Yorkshire
DN1 2RF