Foundation Degree Early Years (Awarded by Birmingham City University)

Teaching and Learning: It is intended that, through this course, you will develop your critical, analytical and thinking skills sufficiently to become an independent reflective learner. You will also gain skills to work in teams in order to prepare you for the role of an effective Early Years practitioner. Early Years is a fast-growing sector and, as new developments and research in the field of Early Years Education emerge, you will have the opportunity to consider and evaluate the implications for policy, provision and practice. Your placement is core to succeeding on the course as all assessments are linked to you working with children in the Early Years sector. A range of approaches to learning and teaching will be adopted across the individual modules which comprise the course, to provide a stimulating and challenging learning experience. Flexible approaches will be used to ensure achievement of specific module outcomes and to facilitate the different learning styles and needs of students. Attain (see below) will be utilised for engagement in forums, tasks and completing a Mahara page of evidence from your professional practice. You will be expected to carry out further research and wider reading outside taught sessions. Effective learning in taught sessions will involve you engaging in a variety of interactive tasks. There will be opportunities for you to work independently during taught sessions and you may be asked to carry out individual directed tasks which contribute to later seminar sessions. At times you will be expected to work with a small group of your colleagues to prepare and present items in subsequent sessions. Assessments: Both formative and summative assessments will take place for each module. Placement and professional practice within an early years setting will also play and important role in helping you complete the assignments set. Examples of assessment include:
• Observations and interpretation of children’s activit

The course aims to develop a broad knowledge and awareness of key aspects of the early years sector through the study of 120 credits per academic year (full-time route) or 80 credits per academic year (part-time route) with a total credit value of 240 credits (equivalent to the first 2 years of an honours degree). The modules you will be taught through the course of your study: Year 1 (Level 4):
• An introduction to professional practice (40 Credits)
• Safeguarding children’s well-being (20 Credits)
• Early Years curriculum (20 Credits)
• Learning through play (20 Credits)
• Observing children’s holistic development (20 Credits) Year 2 (Level 5):
• A development of professional practice (40 Credits)
• Early years research as a driver for change (20 Credits)
• Promoting inclusion and parental partnership (20 Credits)
• Fostering children’s mental health and wellbeing (20 Credits)
• Social construct of the child (20 Credits) The overall qualification will be graded at Pass, Good Pass, Commendation or Distinction depending on unit achievements. Year 1 (Level 4):
• An introduction to professional practice (40 Credits) This module aims to introduce and reinforce study and transferable skills required in order to successfully complete a Foundation Degree in Early Years. Learners will be required to reflect on personal and professional targets, and plan effective strategies in order to improve their performance in the Early Years sector
• Safeguarding children’s well-being (20 Credits) Safeguarding children in the setting is core to the role of the Early Years practitioner. This module aims to inform learners of their key responsibilities and what to do if they have concerns about a child. This module will embed the most current core legislations related to working with children, their parents and/or carers and working as part to the larger team.
• Early Years curricula (20 Credits) This module will consider