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. Why study Early Childhood Education and Care: Leadership and Management at NTU?

• NTU in Mansfield is your alternative route into higher education. We've built this qualification with the local job market in mind. Each of our higher education courses is relevant, hands-on and work-focused.

• An assessed practice element in this qualification is recognised by the Department for Education (DfE), allowing students in England to count in the staff: child Level 3 ratios.

• Benefit from top-class teaching and respected research at an award-winning university.