Early Years Studies

This part-time degree course is designed for people working in the Early Years Practitioners sector and wishing to progress to a senior practitioner role or early years’ teacher training course. It is a flexible, work-based programme, designed to allow you to continue to work whilst studying and has been developed in association with local employers and professional bodies. This sector-endorsed course is ideal to progress your career if you’re currently a childminder, teaching assistant in the foundation stage, nursery nurse, nursery manager or learning support assistant.

This Foundation Degree is awarded by Nottingham Trent University (NTU).

About the course

During the course, you’ll need to work for at least ten hours per week in an early years post.

A statement of support and commitment from your employer/mentor stating that they will be able to meet the full range of roles and responsibilities in the workplace will be needed.

Modules may include:

-study skills and current initiatives
-personal development and professional practice
-play, children’s early learning and the curriculum
-diversity and social justice
-observing in the early years
-supporting health and wellbeing
-safeguarding children-child protection
-meeting individual needs
-understanding and supporting behaviour in a learning environment
-the early years curriculum in context
-managing research in an educational context

The course will build on your existing knowledge of children’s development and learning, as well as developing your understanding of current policies and practice in early years settings.

You’ll also acquire professional and practical skills such as planning, assessment and teamwork.

Basford campus

From September 2025, the Education department will be based at the college's new Basford campus. The campus features state of the art teaching and learning facilities, with cafe and library. This relocation enables closer collaboration with our Supported Learning Faculty next door at The Gateway, providing even greater real-life learning experience.

Assessment

Your work will be assessed on a continuous basis through reports, presentations and essays.

Your career and progression

You could continue your studies to obtain a full degree, and then, if you wish, progress to Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).