Early Years Professional Leadership for England

This qualification is designed to meet the needs and expectations of students aspiring to work in the early years environment. This course offers a stimulating and challenging programme of study that will be both engaging and memorable for students. The assessed practice element in this qualification is recognised as ‘full and relevant’ by the Department for Education (DfE), which means students holding this qualification in England can count in the staff:child Level 3 ratios in an early years care or education setting as outlined in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework.

The essential subject knowledge that students need to progress successfully into further study or the world of work, a simplified structure that enables students to undertake a substantial core of learning in the Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) and build on this in the Level 5 Higher National Diploma (HND), with optional units linked to their specialist area of study.

Modules at Level 4 include Play and Learning in Early Childhood, Promoting Inclusive Early Education and Care Environments and at Level 5 Investigating Childhood: Action Research for Early Childhood Practitioners and Improving Quality in Early Education and Care Environments.

The course content is closely aligned with professional body, employer and higher education needs. Assessments consider cognitive skills (what students know) along with effective and applied skills (how they behave and what they can do).

There is a varied approach to assessment that supports progression to Level 6 and enhances different learning.

At Level 4 the modules are: Unit 1: Personal and Professional Development through Reflective Practice Unit 2: Protecting Children in Early Education and Care Environments Unit 3: Play and Learning in Early Childhood Unit 4: Supporting and Promoting Children's Development (Infants and Toddlers) Unit 5: Supporting and Promoting Children's Development (Young Children) Unit 6: Promoting Healthy Living Unit 7: Preparing for Research (Pearson-set) Unit 8: Promoting Inclusive Early Education and Care Environments At Level 5 the modules are: Unit 9: Investigating Childhood: Action Research for Early Childhood Practitioners Unit 10: Improving Quality in Early Education and Care Environments Unit 11: Managing and Leading People in Children’s Early Education and Care Environments Unit 12: Managing Children’s Early Education and Care Environments Unit 13: Mentoring and Supervision in Early Education and Care Practice

There will be awarding body set assignments based on a contemporary theme within early years and education. Each module has a variety of assessments including written reports, essays, presentations and professional discussions. Work experience is fundamental in the development of effective professional practice, learning and progression in this sector. Therefore, the assessment of learning on, or through, work placement/experience is an essential requirement of this qualification.

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