This course develops your knowledge, understanding and skills to prepare you for undergraduate study in early childhood development, within the broader education and early years sector. It is a Level 3 qualification, equivalent in size to one A Level.
A strong understanding of child development and safeguarding provides an excellent foundation for degrees in nursing, teaching, and social work. Through the work placement in this course, you will develop professional practice, interpersonal skills, and resilience — all of which will help you in higher education and beyond.
Please be aware that some content and assessments may cover sensitive or upsetting topics relevant to the subject area.
This course is a great fit if you are passionate about the children’s care and education sector, working with children aged 0–8 years.
Year 1 includes an examined unit on Children’s Development from Birth to Eight Years, covering the theories, principles, and factors relating to development, and how various influences affect a child’s progress through developmental milestones.
You will also complete a coursework unit on Keeping Children Safe, covering health and safety and safeguarding responsibilities in an early years setting, emergency best practices, and how to identify and respond to concerns about a child’s welfare.
In Year 2, you will study an examined unit on Play and Learning, exploring the concept of play, key theories and approaches, and the benefits of play-based activities for children’s development.
The final unit is a coursework unit called Research and Reflective Practice, where you will examine how research findings influence policy and provision for children, and how this shapes the behaviours and expectations of those working in early years settings.
You will have the opportunity to complete work experience in the sector and hear from guest speakers working in education and early years. Make the most of your studies by using your progress tracker, taking part in group revision sessions, and engaging with our online resources and textbooks.
Our teachers bring genuine expertise and enthusiasm to the subject. You will benefit from strong resources, close links with local health and social care services, and practical, real-world learning woven throughout the course.
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