Early Years

Modules

Year One
The Developing Early Years Professional
You will explore what it means to be a professional working in the early years sector and look at the professional attributes which you will develop through the course.

The Developing Young Child at Play
You will be introduced to key areas of early child development, which will include cognitive, social, emotional and physical, speech language, and communication development along with neurological development.

Introduction to Planning
You will explore the observation, assessment and planning cycle using a variety of observational techniques and assessment methods. It will support your understanding of formative and summative assessment, tracking children progress to plan their next steps and shape young children’s learning opportunities.

Working Safely in Partnership
You will gain knowledge in the current legislation, policies and procedures that promote children rights and keep them safe from harm.

The Child in Society
You will begin to develop an understanding of factors that shape current legislation and policy, influencing the concept of childhood. You will explore children’s rights and their effect on the pedagogy of play, examining local, national and global perspectives of childhood.

Early Years Introduction to Placement
This module is delivered over three terms and allows you to gather a portfolio of evidence to show how you have developed your professional skills to become Early Years Educator.

Year Two
Effective and Reflective Spaces to Play and Learn
Explore research methodologies and ethical practices that seek to involve the voice of the child through participatory methods, taking account of SEND and inclusive practice.

Inclusive Practice
You will develop an understanding of how to work with a range of children with differing needs and potential barriers to learning and development.

Planning for Progress in the Enabling Environment
This module will support you to effectively deliver the Early Years Framework, facilitate babies and young children’s progress and development through effective planned experiences.

Working with Parents and Partners
You’ll explore the importance of effective communication with parents and / or carers and developing professional skills and knowledge in order to engage and positively interact with parents and / or carers.

Early Years Initial teacher Training Early Years Professional standards
During Year Two and Year Three, you’ll gather evidence within a portfolio to be assessed against the Teachers' Standards (Early Years).

Enhancing your Professional Standards
During Year Two and Year Three, you’ll gather evidence within a portfolio to be assessed against the Early Years Educator Criteria.
Year Three

Researching and Reflecting on Early Years Practice
You’ll consider epistemological and methodological approaches, ethical issues within research, explore a field of literature related to your own research question, and understand how to interpret, reflect and analyse on literature and data.

The Beginnings of Literacy and Mathematics: Laying the Foundations for Children’s Development in Mathematics and English
You will learn to critically explore approaches to the teaching of early literacy and mathematics.

Leading Early Years Pedagogy and Practice
You will critically study, and apply, a range of leadership and management skills, using relevant academic literature and practice experiences. This module will enable you to reflect on your professional practice when leading early years practice and pedagogy.

Forest Schools
You will experience a range of open-ended activities outdoors, reflecting on the Forest Schools ethos, as well as national and international perspectives.

Assessment methods

We use a variety of assessment types to allow you to demonstrate your strengths, including assessed course work and portfolios of evidence. There are no formal exams during this course.