Adult & Higher Education

This course is designed for those working in schools with children from Early Years through to secondary age who have additional needs. Classes are offered at two locations: Peter Symonds College Adult & HE Campus in Winchester or Queen's Park Academy in Bournemouth. Attendance is one day a week (1-7pm), allowing students to continue working alongside study.

Students on this course will explore a variety of contemporary topics and issues, such as behaviour management, social pedagogy and inclusive education. They will also carry out research relevant to their workplace.

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

Students on this course will examine policy, research and practice in childhood education, provision and care. 

Year 1 modules:

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

Year 2 modules: 

• 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 attend an interview. It is expected that you would have a level 3 qualification in a relevant subject. 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 (minimum 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. All students will require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check prior to the start of the course.

Students also have the option to 'top-up' their Foundation Degree to a full Honours Degree at Peter Symonds. Successful completion of the course will lead to a Foundation Degree in Special Educational Needs and Disability from Middlesex University.