Course summary

Designed with a strong emphasis on employer engagement and work readiness, the Higher National Diploma (HND) Early Childhood Education and Care course reflects the increasing demand for highly qualified practitioners working in the Early Years Sector. Studying with NTU at Mansfield, you’ll enhance your knowledge, skills and behaviours to improve the quality of learning and development in your setting. You’ll become a proactive and influential Early Years practitioner – advocating play-based learning and supporting others to develop your own practice. The HND Early Childhood Education and Care course is designed for those working or aspiring to work with and caring for children from 0–5 years, with knowledge of 5–8 years. The course is suitable for those already working in, or aspiring to work in Early Years childcare, with responsibility for leading other practitioners or groups who hold a Level 3 qualification in Early Years. In year one, you'll undertake stimulating learning required by all early childhood practitioners in the Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC). In year two, you'll build on this through the Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND) with specialist modules relating to the leadership and management pathway. Level 4 modules: • Personal and Professional Development through Reflective Practice (15 credit points) • Protecting Children in Early Education and Care Environments (15 credit points) • Play and Learning in Early Childhood (15 credit points) • Supporting and Promoting Children's Development (Infants and Toddlers) (15 credit points) • Supporting and Promoting Children's Development (Young Children) (15 credit points) • Promoting Healthy Living (15 credit points) • Preparing for Research (15 credit points) • Promoting Inclusive Early Education and Care Environments (15 credit points) Level 5 modules: • Investigating Childhood: Action Research for early Childhood Practitioners (30 credit points) • Improving Quality in Early Education and Care Environments (15 credit points) • Current and Emerging Pedagogies in Early Childhood Education and Care (15 credit points) • Advanced Practice in Safeguarding and Child Protection for the Early Childhood Practitioner (15 credit points) • Managing and Leading People in Children’s Early Education and Care Environments (15 credit points) • Managing Children’s Early Education and Care Environments (15 credit points) • Mentoring and Supervision in Early Childhood Education and Care Practice (15 credit points)