Childhood Education

The FdA Childhood Education is an exciting opportunity for you to study education provided for children 0-11 years of age. You will gain all of the necessary skills to understand how to provide the support and guidance needed for a career in Childhood Education. It is also a platform from which students can undertake additional academic and in some instances professional vocational qualifications.

This course is focused on Primary School teaching but will teach the importance of the transitions from EYFS to key stage 1 through to key stage 2. It provides an introduction to a wide range of topics associated with childhood education including some of the more complex issues surrounding children and education today. The programme will enable students to develop their own teaching strategies and practice from this knowledge base. You will develop your understanding of childhood education through making clear and consistent links between theory and your own practice whilst undertaking a professional work placement.

Please be aware that due to government changes in June 2022 within the Early Childhood Benchmark statement by QAA, the FdA Childhood Education course is no longer on the approved list for providers for Early Years Practitioner Status for the Department of Education. Therefore, this foundation degree qualification does not cover graduates to be included within ratios within early years settings. If you require this to be an option, please apply for the FdA Early Years Practice which is recognised as full and relevant.

The FdA Childhood Education prepares you for employability in the sector as it increases your understanding of children’s learning and development. There are bespoke modules that focus on the planning and delivery of curriculum subjects. The vocational practice enables you to develop your confidence in the classroom. Graduates are suitably prepared to pursue careers in primary school teaching, childcare management and nursery supervision. We have lecturers teaching on the course who were former students themselves and have completed their Bachelor’s Degree and post-16 PGCE.

Upon completion of the FdA Childhood Education, students may be suited to work in a variety of settings and these opportunities within the education sector. Students undertaking the FdA Childhood Education may alternatively progress onto the following degrees:
• BA (Hons) Education and Training (University Centre Truro & Penwith)
• BA (Hons) Human Behavioural Studies (University Centre Truro & Penwith)
• BSc (Hons) Applied Social Science (University Centre Truro & Penwith)
• BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies (University of Plymouth)
• BA (Hons) Education Studies (University of Plymouth)

Course Modules

First Year
The Psychology of Learning and Development
Interpersonal Relationships and Teamworking
The Educational Theory of Teaching
Curriculum, Planning and Assessment
Special Educational Needs and Disability
Professional Practice within a Primary Setting

Year 2
Education and Society
Alternative Learning Environments
Curriculum: English and Mathematics
Primary Curriculum: Science and Technology
Educational Research
Critical Professional Practice within Primary Education

Modules may be subject to change