FdA Childhood Studies & Professional Practice

The early years sector is diversifying and there is an increasing demand for highly-trained staff who are knowledgeable, flexible and adaptable. Your mandatory work placement will help you put your theoretical knowledge into practice. This course combines practical and theoretical learning to help you develop expert skills and knowledge for working with children, and is perfect for those who would like to work as an early years practitioner, childminder, pre-school leader, or in another similar role in the early years and education sector (0-11 years).

Aims

This programme aims to challenge you, and facilitate critical reflection and the development of contemporary academic understanding. You will establish a firm understanding of the early years sector. The vocational aspect aims to produce higher level engaged professionals that value a child-centred approach to care, learning and development. The programme provides a curriculum relevant to the requirements of early years students, to allow them to secure employment.

Modules Level 4

• Personal and Professional Development - this module will cover a range of skills necessary for higher education, with an emphasis on academic development and the importance of becoming a reflective practitioner.
• Work Related Learning - this module will provide you with an understanding of organisational practice and the wider community.
• Developmental Influences on Children's Learning - this module aims to provide you with a balanced and critical overview of how children develop underpinned by theoretical perspectives.
• Sociological Perspectives on Children - sociological theory is introduced to consider the contemporary influences and challenges which affect children in today's society.
• Living and Working in a Diverse World - this module explores the concept of discrimination and all the facets.
• The Curriculum 0-11 Years - the curriculum is explored using philosophical and theoretical perspectives combined with an exploration of alternative curricula.
• You will be observed in the workplace.

Level 5

• Personal and Professional Development - this module aims to enable you to understand research methods, processes and critical thinking skills.
• Work Related Learning - skills of organisational appraisal will facilitate a deeper understanding of professional practice which will broaden career development.
• Safeguarding Children - an in depth understanding will be explored of professional roles and responsibilities.
• Additional Needs and Challenging Behaviour - a case study reflection will facilitate your understanding of special educational needs.
• Child Health and Well-being - this module explores contemporary views of child health and well-being.
• A Study of a Contemporary Workplace Issues - you will choose a contemporary issue which impacts upon your practice appraised by a literature review.

Teaching & assessment

This programme is theoretical by design and underpinned with placement opportunities. This develops employability skills and reflection on practice. Teaching will involve lectures, classroom based activities and interactive workshops. Strategies are designed to engage students in their learning. This will include involvement in presentations, case studies, debates and student reflection. Subject specific guest speakers inform module content. You will be observed in the workplace, to facilitate academic understanding.

You will be assigned a dedicated tutor. Tutorials are either one-to-one, group or email. Additional learning materials are provided via the College virtual learning environment to encourage independent and self-study. You will receive written and oral feedback through formative and summative assessment. This will enable improvement of future work. You will develop an individual learning plan to help plan and monitor your performance both academic and professional practice skills within the PPD modules.

Interview Instructions

At interview, you will be asked to undertake a written test, which will assess your ability to answer questions in a balanced way and will assess your understanding of working with children. Literacy and coherence of the work will be assessed.

• The interview will explore
• Prior experiences and professional practice.
• Motivation for undertaking the course and areas of interest within the programme.
• Ability to cope academically and transition into higher education.
• Your perception of key qualities and attributes to work in the sector.

Entry Criteria

• UCAS tariff points: 32
• At least four GCSEs at grade C or above (or Level 2 equivalent), including maths and English – a GCSE grade C or above in Science is essential for those wanting to progress to a teaching degree.
• Appropriate Level 3 qualification or A-Levels relevant to the sector.
• If you are a non-native English speaking student, you will be required to hold an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent.
• Minimum of 32 UCAS credits.

If you are looking to study on the part-time programme, you must be employed within the sector and have the support of your employer to commit to their required study leave. This is obtained through written confirmation either letter or email.

Non-standard entry

• Evidence of relevant work experience
• Evidence of the attainment of skills which demonstrate ability to study at this level and concordant with UK Quality Assurance Agency code.
• A current satisfactory Enhanced Certificate DBS will need to be provided.
• Two satisfactory references will be required from appropriate professionals which includes an academic reference.
• Interview on a one-to-one basis to identify preparedness, career aspirations and demonstration of qualities and attributes necessary within the early years and childcare sector.