The Foundation Degree for experienced Early Years practitioners is an exciting award that will lead to an excellent professional qualification. It has a strong work based element and is designed to enable you to relate theory to practice.
PROGRESSION
Students successfully completing a foundation degree may be eligible to progress to the third year of an Honours degree programme, subject to availability. If there are insufficient places, then applicants will be subject to a selection process.
COURSE CONTENT
The course is modular and you will study the following modules:
YEAR 1
Introduction to Early Child Development - Child development pre and from birth to 8 years. Enhance your understanding of the physical, communication and language development of babies, toddlers and young children.
Making Learning Visible - Designed to support you with developing reflection on a range of psychological perspectives underpinning how babies and young children learn and
develop. You will consider how to evaluate meaningful learning through play opportunities indoors and out, and will explore the value of supporting creativity by making links to young children’s physical and emotional well-being.
Reflective Practice in Action - This module immerses you in the process of reflective practice in your own setting. You will use a reflective model to help evaluate various aspects of your practice and provision; creating conditions which enable babies and young children to flourish.
Supporting Young Children’s Holistic Health & Wellbeing - Explore the importance of supporting young children’s holistic health and well-being. You will consider issues relating to babies and young children’s health, both nationally and globally, drawing on government policy, guidance and research. This module will also include an introduction to safeguarding.
YEAR 2
The Child, Family & Society - Explore local issues as well as issues in wider society and investigate the skills required for working collaboratively across the early childhood sector to promote positive outcomes for children, their families and the wider community. You will be researching the development of services and support in this area, including deconstructing national and local legislation and policies. This will involve reflection and critical analysis of your setting’s practice in working collaboratively, which will include partnerships with families, children’s services, social care and health agencies.
Contesting Childhood - Focus on the contested nature of childhood from a wide range of contexts. You will investigate the development of young children’s education, care and welfare services, highlighting key historical developments and sociological perspectives. You will consider a range of economic, political, legal and moral factors, with the underpinning theme of the evolving understandings and practices concerning the rights of the child.
Positionality, Diversity and Inclusion - Explore, understand and reflect upon your own thoughts, opinions and any underlying prejudices in relation to supporting babies, young children and families. You will consider a range of protected characteristics, including children with bi-lingual and multilingual skills and will investigate culture, identity, rights and the voice of the child.
Research in Early Childhood - An introduction to theoretical perspectives and a range of approaches to research in early childhood which will enable you to carry out a research project in your setting or early childhood context. Appropriate research skills and knowledge will be explored and analysed together with a consideration of ethical issues to enable you to conduct the research effectively. You will develop a contextual understanding of designing research in all the stages: question/hypothesis, rationale, literature review, methodology and methods, data gathering and analysis, conclusions and presenting your research.
STUDY PROGRAMME AND ASSESSMENT
You will attend college for 8 hours per week. You will be assessed using a variety of methods including critical reading/literature reviews, seminar presentations, collaborative investigations, seminar reports and journals, investigative reports, practice in your workplace, written essays. Study skills and IT input will support taught modules.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
• Appropriate level 3 qualification in EY, Childcare or Playwork ( ie A levels or vocational qualifications)
• At least 600 hours working experience in the sector
• Currently working in the sector either part time or full time for at least 12 hours
• DBS checks must meet Bath Spa University requirements
• You will need to attend an interview which will include verbal questions and written work.
• Accrediting of prior (experiential) learning may be considered. Applications will be considered on an individual basis.
COSTS AND RESOURCES
Tuition fees for 2020 entry: TBC Additional costs: None Student finance information: https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
APPLY VIA UCAS
Institution Code: B20 Course Code: X310 Campus Code: L ( for New College)
CONTACT US
Email: he@newcollege.ac.uk Tel: 01793 732807
Programme Leader: Dawn Evans dawn.evans@newcollege.ac.uk