Childhood Development Practice

This course is subject to revalidation

The way children develop, learn, form relationships and make sense of the world is shaped by carers and families, culture, language, environment and experience, often all at once. This Foundation Degree builds the professional knowledge to understand those influences, and to respond to them with confidence in your practice.
Designed for people working full-time in childcare, primary, secondary, or further education teaching assistant (TA) roles, learning support assistant (LSA) roles and early years settings, our twilight delivery allows you to study alongside your job, applying what you learn directly to your current role.
The programme covers the full landscape of childhood studies: child development theory, safeguarding, health and wellbeing, inclusion, and the practicalities of leading a team. You will be taught in a small, interactive and supportive group by experienced childcare professionals, and benefit from additional support for study skills.

The course bridges theory with real-world practice, helping you develop the skills and knowledge employers are actively looking for in the education sector. We offer the opportunity to learn alongside others in small, supportive groups, giving you the confidence to contribute, share experiences, and learn best practice from peers and tutors. The flexibility of the programme makes it the perfect choice for balancing full-time work and study, while the additional support, both educational and pastoral, ensure students never feel alone on the journey. There Is also the added benefit of a £1,000 bursary per year for eligible students.

"During my time delivering on this course, I have witnessed real career progression during and after the course, with students gaining promotions and new opportunities thanks to the practical, work-focused learning. The clear progression route into a top-up degree, and even a PGCE afterwards, opens doors to long-term career development.” - Katie Thomas, Programme Lead

This L4/5 Foundation Degree is equivalent to the first two years of a BA degree. If you want to go further, it provides a direct route into the final year of a full honours degree in Inclusive Education, Early Years Education and Care or Youth Work.

Course Delivery This course is delivered over two academic years. In Year 1, you will attend college on a Tuesday (3.30pm-9pm) and a Thursday (3.30pm-9pm.)
You will be required to undertake work-based learning in year one and two, for example- working with Children or Young People aged 0-18years in a school, nursery, seasonal care, flying start groups, comprehensive schools or Further Education.

Level 4 modules (year one): • Academic skills for Students • Theories and Development • Work based practice in Children and Young Peoples services • Safeguarding Children and Young People • Children and Young People's health and well-being • Working with Children, Young People and Families (Principles)
Level 5 modules (year two):
• Multilingualism , Multi- Thinking • Children and Young People with Additional Needs: Inclusion • Enhanced work based practice in Children and Young Peoples services • Research methods in Education and Care • Leading work in Children and Young Peoples services • Media and Digital Literacy

Assessment is continuous and is largely work based. There will be written assignments and observed practice within the classroom.