Young Children's Learning and Development

This course combines study and practical work experience to equip you with a combination of technical abilities, academic knowledge, and transferable skills that are highly desirable to employers. You’ll undertake a placement where you will be able to put your learning in the classroom into practice and boost your employability.

Many practitioners will already have a range of rich and varied experiences of working with children and families. This course will help you become more aware of developmental approaches to learning and to reflect on your own practice, which will extend your professional competence and effectiveness in supporting the wellbeing of children.

This course is seen by the Government as making a significant contribution to the ladder of lifelong learning providing opportunities for students to progress to further professional qualifications such as our BA (Hons) Early Years (Top up) course.

You will study a range of theoretical and work-related components which will enhance your understanding of working with children in early years and primary education. You will have the opportunity to choose a topic for a research project which will contribute to your knowledge of a specific area. You will also have the opportunity to choose an optional module (subject to student numbers) based on your future career goals. Level 4 modules: * Child development theory and practice * Safeguarding children * Employability * Study Skills * Understanding children’s behaviour * Holistic development in early childhood Level 5 Modules * Play-based learning *Children and society *Leadership and management in early years care and education * Research Project in Young Children's Learning and Development * Health Issues in Childcare Optional Modules (minimum of 10 students required)6 * Current Issues * Primary education policy and practice

Sessions involve a range of learning opportunities including group work, formal lectures, workshops, case studies, and practical activities. Along with the structured sessions, you will engage in directed and self-directed study. As such, a high level of personal commitment is expected. Full time Hours: 9 hours of delivered lessons per week, plus 18 hours of self-directed study per week. Students are also able to access 3 hour per week of tutorial support for study at level 4 and 2 hours support for level 5. Part Time Hours: 6 hours of delivered lessons per week, plus 12 hours of self-directed study per week. Students are also able to access 3 hour per week of tutorial support for study at level 4 and 2 hours support for level 5. Please note the above hours are additional to the placement hours • Full time 12 hours placement • Part time 6 hours placement