Foundation Degree Education (Early Childhood Studies)

For individuals passionate about working with young children, students delve into topics such as child development, educational psychology and early years curriculum planning.� With a focus on early childhood education and care, graduates are equipped to pursue careers as early years educators, nursery managers, or child development specialists, making a positive impact on the lives of young children and their families.

Awarded�by Staffordshire University,�the Foundation Degree in�Education (Early Childhood Studies) is taught by experienced�industry professionals, and will provide you with an in-depth�knowledge and understanding of the development and�holistic nature of learning and supporting within early years�through work-based/college learning. You will also develop�your independent thinking and understand the importance of�collective group working. Learners studying the Foundation Degree are generally already working in a early years or foundation stage environment�and who are looking to develop a deeper understanding of�education and pursue a higher position within the sector. Work-based reflection is a significant part of the course and�it�s assessment and throughout you studies, you will have the�opportunity to observe fellow professionals, create resources to�support learning and complete work placement research. You will attend college one session per week; this is likely to be�one afternoon or one evening. In addition, you will be required�to undertake some study outside the classroom and attend�occasional tutorials at times to fit around work commitments. In�the third year the course will finish towards Easter. Over the two and a half years, you will study specialist units that could include: Level 4 modules Personal and Professional Development (20 credits)Learning and Holistic Development (40 credits)Safeguarding and Developing Educational Practice (40 credits)Supporting Learning and Inclusion (20 credits) Level 5 modules Professionalism and Career Development - ECS Focus (20 credits)Planning for Learning (40 credits)Work with Young Children - Guided Research in Early Childhood Studies (40 credits)Leadership and Team Working (20 credits)

You will be assessed mainly through course work; which is presented in a variety of styles which include essays, reports, presentations, and evaluated activity plans. You will be expected to relate your learning to your practice whenever possible. Work-based reflection and development forms a major part of the overall course content and assessment. Throughout the course, you will therefore engage in: Work-based tasksCreation of resources to support learningReflection on organisational practice and practice of professionals Wider understanding of sector practiceWork placement research Assessment:�Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of your subject informally before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or �formative� assessments, for which you receive feedback from your tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades you receive for them do not count towards your module mark. There is a formal or �summative� assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as essays, case studies, portfolios, presentations and a final year independent project. Feedback:�You will normally receive feedback on coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission. examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations. Study time breakdown: Year 1 10% of time in lectures, classroom or similar78% of time in independent study12% of time in placements Year 2 10% of time in lectures, classroom or similar78% of time in independent study12% of time in placements Year 3 10% of time in lectures, classroom or similar78% of time in independent study12% of time in placements Assessment breakdown: Year 1 20% practical exams80% coursework 0% written exams Year 2 8% practical exams92% coursework 0% written exams Year 3 0% practical exams100% coursework 0% written exams

All applicants are individually interviewed and assessed on their qualifications, skills and experience. However, you would normally need to given evidence of: Demonstration of a clear Enhanced DBS check which confirms that there are no reasons why a candidate should not work with children.Be in employment (either paid or voluntary) within an early years�setting or foundation stage�for at least four hours a weekA relevant Level 3 early years/childcare qualification equivalent to 64 UCAS points.GCSE qualifications in English and maths or demonstration of a level 2 competence. If English is not your first language you will be expected to have achieved an IELTS score of 6.0 or above. * Eligibility to be counted in the EYFS staff:child ratios at Level 3 requires you to hold a relevant EY Level 3 qualification, which should be gained prior to studying this pathway.

After successful completion of your foundation degree you will receive a graduation ceremony and could progress onto a �top-up� degree in a related subject to achieve the full BA (Hons) at university or directly to a higher level within your career such as a leader, a learning support practitioner or manager.