Course summary

This two-year Foundation degree will help you gain an in-depth understanding of the essential aspects of child development and welfare. It will further equip you with the skills required to provide high-quality services for children, young people and families. Your studies will have a strong vocational orientation, with 'real' practice issues informing the curriculum and your work. You will be expected to be employed or volunteering with children or young people for a minimum of 14 hours per week. You will need a work based mentor to support you with your studies over the two years. The course is set within the context of current events, research legislation and policy. You will also be given opportunities for undertaking research in preparation for your independent project, as well as enjoying the practical experience of working with children, young people and families. Areas of study include: • An introduction working with children, Young people and Families • Introduction to academic study and work based learning • Understanding the Human services • Law, Society and Controversy • Perceptions and Discourse of childhood • Researching child and family practice • Multi agency working • Child Welfare: perspectives on an approaches to risk assessment • Management and Applied experience within a work based learning environment * Additional information:* Because of the nature of the course you must not have been previously excluded from teaching or working with young people. If you are planning or applying to work with young people under 18 or vulnerable adults you will need to seek enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS) clearance. This should be done through your employer but in some cases may be done through the College. You may be required to pay the fee for this. There is also a mandatory residential in year 2 which students pay for at a cost of approximately £300. Leads to: Completion of the Foundation Degree allows the learner to enter the final year of a BA (Hons) Applied Social Studies, BA (Hons) in Child and Adolescent Studies or BA (Hons) in Early Years Studies. You may also seek an advanced apprenticeship or employment.