Adult & Higher Education

This course has been designed for those working with children from birth, within the Early Years Foundation Stage, to the end of the Reception Year in Schools. It includes those working or wishing to work as nannies and child minders providing that the children being cared for are within the relevant age range. The course is aimed at those who have a level three qualification and / or sufficient employment experience who wish to develop their knowledge and understanding in the field of early childhood.

Support Assistants working in Reception classes need to consider their future employment direction as the Foundation Degree in Teaching and Learning Support may be more appropriate.

This course is quality assured by Middlesex University and you will receive a Middlesex award on successful completion.

The course will provide students with the opportunity to examine policy, research and practice in early childhood education, provision and care. It will also enable you to research specific topics and themes directly relevant to your work. The course offers a flexible route towards higher education for people with varying levels of experience and will enable you to develop your professional career working in the childcare industry at a recognised level of independence and responsibility.

You will study the following modules in Year 1: 

• Developing and enhancing academic skills
• Supporting curriculum delivery
• Developing education and pedagogical approaches
• Research skills
• Teaching and professionalism

In Year 2, you will study: 

• Assessment in the curriculum
• Safeguarding, working with families and professionals
• Social pedagogy
• SEND and inclusive education 
• Educational ethics and methodologies 
• Understanding and managing behaviour

You should expect to complete a minimum of least 4 or 5 hours additional work outside attendance at college per week. If you are working, relevant additional work may naturally occur in your workplace.

All eligible applicants will be required to undertake an interview. It is expected that you would have at least a level 3 Certificate / Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning & Development or Children & Young Person’s Workforce. Students under the age of 21 will be expected to have a BTEC National Diploma in Childcare/T Level in Education or similar or 2 A Levels (64 UCAS points).

Mature students, over the age of 21, without traditional qualifications may also be accepted following Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) providing they can show appropriate levels of relevant ability and experience. They would need to make a claim for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as exemptions from parts of the degree programme is possible. Claimants seeking RPL and RPEL must apply to the College and may be required to present a portfolio in support of their claims.

A requirement of the course is for students to be employed or volunteering in a relevant setting. 

Students will have the option of applying for a BA (Hons) Early Years Top-Up course to achieve a full honors degree.