Early Years Professional Leadership

About this Course
The Higher National Diploma in Early Years Professional Leadership for England is ideal for those who want to make a positive impact on young children’s lives. This program combines theory with practical experience, preparing students for various roles in early childhood education. With a focus on child development, safeguarding, and professional practice, it provides the skills needed to succeed in educational settings while achieving “full and relevant” status

Key Units
As part of this course, you will explore the factors that influence children's personalities and behaviour, gaining a deeper understanding of their developmental progress during the early years. You will also examine the opportunities essential for helping children reach their full potential.

This program provides an opportunity to engage with a wide range of topics and theoretical perspectives related to young children, including safeguarding, well-being, and effective learning and development. You will study the critical role of play in holistic child development while also addressing challenges such as child protection, disabilities, and specific needs.

You will gain foundational knowledge on supporting children’s well-being, learning, and development through key topics such as play and its link to learning, safeguarding and child protection, child development, and essential health, safety, and care routines.

Throughout the course, you will also have the chance to visit professional early childhood practitioners, gaining valuable real-world experience that deepens your understanding of key concepts.

This course covers eight key units that develop your expertise in early years education:
Personal and Professional Development through Reflective Practice – Build self-awareness and enhance leadership skills
Protecting Children in Early Education and Care Environments – Gain essential safeguarding knowledge
Play and Learning in Early Childhood – Understand the impact of play on child development
Supporting and Promoting Children’s Development (Infants, Toddlers & Young Children) – Explore strategies for fostering growth and learning
Promoting Healthy Living – Learn about health, nutrition, and wellbeing for young children
Preparing for a Research Project – Develop essential research skills for the education sector
Promoting Inclusive Early Education and Care Environments – Ensure all children have access to quality education and care

Entry Requirements
48 UCAS points or those who have studied previous level 3 programmes. For adults 19 plus we accept applications from mature learners who are looking to return to education or upskill within the sector with no previous formal qualifications.

English and Maths at grade 4 or above is desirable, but not essential. If desired, you can study English and Maths alongside your main programme.

Assessment
Course work
PresentationsDiscussionsEssays

Future Opportunities
Upon completion, you can progress to roles such as:
Early Years Leader/ManagerChildcare PractitionerSEN CoordinatorFamily Support Worker

Tell Me More
Flexible Study Options
One face-to-face session per week
Two online sessions per week
Dedicated tutorial support

Extra Costs
Fees may be applicable for occasional trips and visits, which are not compulsory.

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Course does not award QTS