Early Childhood Studies

The National Childcare Strategy has created an increased demand for well-qualified early years practitioners who can demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the needs of young children and their families in a range of early years settings.

This qualification is designed for practitioners who are currently employed (either paid or voluntary) in an early years environment. This could be as a nanny or childminder, or someone working in a playgroup, children's centre, Sure Start unit, private day nursery or school.

Employers within the sector recognise that the demands on their staff require education and training which not only meets the needs of the employer but offers the opportunity to develop personally and professionally. In response to this, Staffordshire University has developed a vocationally-orientated Foundation degree in Early Childhood Studies.

Read BA(Hons) Early Childhood Studies course information (PDF, file size: 673.67KB)

"Having only a few CSEs and an NVQ3 I had never considered myself as 'academic' and a degree always seemed out of reach, but achieving my Foundation degree in Early Years with the help of my local college has changed all that.  I now have a manager's position and when I talk people actually listen to my opinions - that BA (Hons) degree is now for ME!"
 
Deb Rickus
Tamworth & Lichfield College
Foundation degree in Early Years

A good deal of the learning on this course will take place in the workplace, using study guidance and the experience of colleagues.  Every student has a personal tutor to assist them and is expected to attend college weekly.  Further tutor support is available through email and telephone.

This is a modular course and each student studies eleven modules, each of which is assessed through a variety of assessment methods. These include essays, reports, presentations, timed essays, and projects.

Assessment is continuous and written assessment encourages students to reflect on learning experiences both in the classroom and in the workplace. Students are encouraged to make connections between theory and practice.

The Foundation degree offers comprehensive coverage of the knowledge and skills required for an advanced and reflective early years practitioner.  It is practical and vocationally focussed, but may widen access into higher education, and enhance career prospects. Successful graduates will be awarded a Foundation degree in Arts from Staffordshire University and will be entitled to add FdA after their name. 

The course begins with a study skills module in which candidates identify their individual development needs, including those within their work-based role.  Modules extend qualifications and work-based expertise beyond level 3 and subject matter includes:

• child health
• behaviour management
• leadership skills
• the early years curriculum
• safeguarding children
• the child and the family
• diversity and inclusive practice

A good deal of the learning on this course takes place in the workplace, using study guidance and the experience of colleagues. Every student has a personal tutor to assist them and is expected to attend college weekly. Further tutor support is available through email and telephone.

There are a number of progression routes available including honours degrees in Education, Early Childhood Studies or Health and Social Care. These degrees will enable students to develop expertise in the field and may, with further study, give acess to Early Years Professional Status, Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) social work and a range of other related professional and vocational qualifications.

For more information about Early Childhood Studies please contact: