Education and Early Childhood Studies

The FdA Education and Early Childhood Studies programme has two distinct pathways. These pathways ensure that the Foundation Degree is comprehensive and responsive to the varied needs of the education sector. They prepare students for a range of roles, enhancing their career prospects and enabling them to make a significant impact on children’s lives. The FdA addresses the growing demand for qualified early years practitioners and to plug the shortage of qualified educators including teachers which subsequently supports the local economy by providing accessible higher education opportunities. Early childhood education is crucial for the development of children and has long-term benefits for society.

The two pathways are:

Early Years Educator Pathway
The Early Years Educator pathway is aimed at individuals passionate about nurturing and educating young children, as it equips them with the essential knowledge, skills, and competencies to support the developmental needs and early learning experiences of children from birth to age five.

This pathway addresses the critical need for qualified professionals who can provide high-quality care and education to young children. It ensures that students gain specialised knowledge and skills to support early childhood development effectively. By focusing on the unique needs of young learners, this pathway prepares graduates to create nurturing and stimulating environments that promote holistic growth. This pathway enhances the professionalism and employability of graduates by embedding key competencies into the curriculum. These competencies include advocating for children’s rights, promoting holistic development, and working collaboratively with families and colleagues. By mastering these areas, graduates are better equipped to meet the demands of the early childhood sector and contribute to best practices in their field. This qualification does not currently provide the student with a licence to practice however this can be achieved at the top up level 6 which student can progress on to following successful completed of the FdA.

Learning Support Pathway
The Learning Support pathway is aimed at Teaching Assistants, to enable them to apply for the higher-level paid jobs and developing their confidence to eventually apply for Teacher Training on completion of a Top Up programme.

This pathway is crucial for preparing students to support diverse learners, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It provides the necessary skills to create inclusive learning environments and implement effective support strategies. By focusing on learning support, this pathway ensures that graduates can work alongside teachers to enhance educational outcomes for all students, particularly those who require additional assistance.

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. This Foundation Degree also serves as a stepping stone for further studies, enabling students to advance their careers and take on more senior roles within the field.

Course Modules

This course includes the following core modules that all students complete, along with some pathway specific modules:

Level 4 - Year 1 - Core modules

• Foundations of Academic Excellence
• Childhood Evolution
• Child Protection and safeguarding practices
• Special educational needs, disability and inclusion

Learning Support modules

• Applied research in educational technology
• Integrating pedagogy, andragogy and curriculum in educational settings

Early Years Educator modules

• Play, creativity and inquiry
• Integrating pedagogy and curriculum in early childhood

Level 5 - Year 2 - Core modules

• Professional growth and employability
• Social perspectives on family and childhood
• Integrating trauma informed practice into education
• Equality, diversity and inclusion

Learning Support modules

• Investigative approaches to technology
• Dynamic pedagogy for early years practice

Early Years Educator modules

• Investigative Approaches to Play
• Dynamic Pedagogy for Early Years Practice

Occasional changes to modules and course content may take place. Students will be notified when applicable. These modules are subject to validation.