Children's Learning and Development (Distance Learning)

The Foundation Degree (FdA) Children’s Learning and Development enables practitioners to undertake a programme of study whilst working in practice. Students will typically be employed as child minders, early years practitioners, support assistants, teaching assistants, managers or advisors working in nurseries, schools, children’s centres or family hubs. Their role will involve working with children, aged 0–8 years, and their families and wider communities. This programme is fundamentally designed for practitioners who work with young children and colleagues from a diverse range of backgrounds. As such we have a duty to foster an inclusive approach where different backgrounds and cultures are cherished and celebrated. Different cultural experiences and identities are embraced, to better flourish in an increasingly diverse and complex world.

A central aspect of the programme is that students will have the opportunity to examine various ways in which children and childhood may be understood and conceptualised through their understanding of the philosophies, beliefs and attitudes that underpin different understandings of babies, young children and multiple childhoods.  Central to this is the professional roles within current global, national and local contexts that strive to achieve social justice as a fundamental human right. This qualification will enable graduates to understand the impact of events, such as adverse childhood experiences, or evolving contexts, such as societal, economic or environmental deterioration that exacerbate inequalities, working as agents for change within a sustainability agenda. They will also consider the challenges and intricacies of multi-agency and multi-professional practice and reflect on this their own constructions of professionalism, professional identity and multi-professional practice.

The FdA Children’s Learning and Development aims to provide a balance of intellectual and practical skills. Students will actively engage in research and enquiry, gaining a critical understanding of the processes within the development of services, which will enable them to gain insight and understanding into how they can best support the development of babies, toddlers and young children.

Graduates of the FdA are advocates for children and champion their rights. They facilitate the right of children to actively participate in their world, recognising each child and all children's uniqueness. Their knowledge enables them to advocate for young children’s needs, voice, rights, development and learning while celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion.

The high-quality learning experiences within the FdA Children’s Learning and Development programme are designed to support students’ development, with a clear focus on preparation for the sector, through the development of key, transferable skills. Students will learn from the acquisition of knowledge through inquiry-based learning and collaboration with peers to inform discussion, practice and co-production of knowledge. This is achieved through a two-way process, where the learning through an academic environment is applied in the workplace. Therefore, academic study informs provision and supports the development of practice.

Careers are varied within the sector and students may take several routes depending on their specific aspirations. Many of our graduates wish to work with children and their families within education, health or care sectors, whereas others may progress into posts within local authorities which could involve the development of local strategy and policy. Career progression may include; Senior/Lead Nursery Practitioner, Pre-School Leader, Play Leader, Section Leader, Deputy Manager/Setting Manager.

The School of Health, Education, Well-being and Sport has developed one year distance learning degree top up programmes through TP that would suit the progression of the FdA Children’s Learning and Development.