Early Years, Education and Practice (Work Based)

UCAS code: X311

Here's what University Centre Farnborough says about its Early Years, Education and Practice (Work Based) course.

Develop your career in the early years sector with this work-based foundation degree, supported by our experienced lecturers and close-knit classes. This course starts each September and is awarded by the University of Surrey. This course:

• Is taught one afternoon/evening per week and has full-time status • Allows you to remain employed and study part-time alongside your current role • Is a two-year foundation degree, which can be converted to a full degree by completing a one-year top-up degree • Can help you to update your knowledge and work towards more senior roles or teaching • Is taught by dedicated and supportive lecturers, many with experience in a range of early years and teaching settings • Has previously involved educational trips, including exploring the Reggio Emilia approach to education in Italy and visiting early years centres, schools and local authorities in Finland

Education can be very significant in a child’s life, influencing both how they develop and who they become. This is why working to ensure children achieve to the best of their abilities can be an incredibly rewarding career. Upon graduating you will have the knowledge and skills to work towards a variety of careers, such as room leaders, deputy managers, lead professionals in a setting, outreach workers and NVQ assessors.

At Farnborough, you will be taught in classrooms rather than large lecture theatres. This means your classes here will feel more personal, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions, receive feedback and become friends with your new classmates.

As someone currently employed in the sector, this course provides a unique opportunity to enhance your knowledge and gain skills relevant to your role, with timetables designed to suit employers. During this course you will examine a range of contemporary theories of how children learn and develop, linking and applying what you learn to your own work-based practice.

WHO IS THE PROGRAMME FOR? This degree is suitable for those currently employed within the early years sector who hold a relevant level 3 qualification and want to work towards more senior roles or teaching. Example roles you may currently be working as include Early Years Practitioner or Teaching Assistant.

WHAT WILL I STUDY? During the first year of this degree, you will explore the essential theories of how children develop, as well as the individual and societal factors that play a part. In the second year you will investigate how current theories and understanding can be applied in the workplace to ensure positive outcomes for children. You will also complete a project proposal and literature review. This will provide you with the opportunity to research a topic of special interest and develop skills that will benefit you on an honours degree programme.

Year 1 • The Physical, Personal, Social and Emotional Child - This module provides the essential theoretical background to the physical, personal, spiritual, social and emotional development of children. It develops an understanding of why these are prime areas within the Early Years Foundation Stage and how they relate to each other. • Cognition and Language - This places particular emphasis on how children learn and their cognitive and language development. • The Child, Family and Parental Involvement – This explores the concept of the child, working with families and strategies related to parental involvement. It considers the diverse nature of families and issues related to promoting involvement. • Health and Wellbeing - This explores the concepts of health and wellbeing and considers key government health priorities in relation to child health. It also examines legislation and policies related to health and safety. • Promoting Creative Learning - This explores the concept of creative expression and children’s representation through play and creative materials. It examines the role of the practitioner in providing a well-resourced environment that promotes creative expression. • Value of Play – This examines the relevance of play to early year’s education and its value in the Foundation Stage and beyond. • Integrated Working and Safeguarding - This explores multi-agency working in regards to safeguarding children and promoting positive outcomes. It requires students to reflect on policies and strategies.

Year 2 • Professional Development Portfolio – Professional and personal development is evaluated within a specialist pathway that has been chosen. Emphasis is on the processes involved in the planning cycle within the curriculum. Presentation of a portfolio of work including self-evaluation; professional discussion; group presentation. • Introduction to Research - A suitable topic for research related to Early Years practice will be identified and researched to develop a project proposal and extended literature review. • Policy, Perspectives and Influences on Early Years – This explores the factors that influence the current provision of early years. • Early Literacy and Communication – This explores the role of the practitioner in developing emergent literacy skills within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and in preparing children for transition to Key Stage 1. • Early Maths and Exploration - This explores the role of the practitioner in developing the skills needed for emergent maths and exploration and in preparing children for transition to Key Stage 1. • Leading and Managing – This explores the concepts of leadership and management within Early Years settings and the differences between them. • Understanding Young Children’s Behaviour - This explores how to manage an early years environment in order to promote positive behaviour. You will explore the determinants of behaviour in early years settings and reflect upon theoretical perspectives and factors which may influence children’s prosocial and antisocial behaviour.

You will normally be assessed throughout your course to test your understanding within each module. This will be done through a combination of assessed coursework and assignments, multiple choice questions, formal examinations, written reports, case studies, summative reflection, literature reviews and presentations. Assignments will demonstrate both your new knowledge and how to apply it in the workplace.

HOW WILL I BE TAUGHT? A range of teaching techniques are used in this degree to deliver content in useful and varied ways. This includes lecture-based presentations, practical sessions including role play and observation, individual and group project work, and individual presentations.