Foundation Degree in Early Years Sector Endorsed (Oxford Brookes University)

Full Time

Course Details

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Course Code

QHS4TE01/BAFHE

Course Level

Level 5

Where will this course lead?

If you are already working with children in early years services (for example: Children's Centre Worker, Nursery Nurse, Private Nanny, Lead Practitioner, Childminder) and are looking to develop your practice and progress to Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) or to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), then this is the course for you.

What will I study?

We offer a route into higher education for practising early years workers. Over a two-year period a substantial amount of your learning will take place in your workplace through the planned and supported tasks and projects we will set you. You will undertake study in areas such as child development, communication, language and literacy, inclusion, health, and management issues in early years. When you have successfully completed your course you will:
Have a clear understanding of how children grow and learn
Be able to relate theories of child development to observations of children in a variety of childcare environments and settings
Understand the role played by adults in promoting young children's development and learning
Understand the role of agencies working for and with children and their families
Appreciate the complex and inter-related components at work during normal physical, intellectual, emotional and social development
Understand the importance of play in developmental terms and see how this relates to the early years curriculum
Develop a knowledge of policy and practice governing early years settings
Understand the regulatory and legislative statement for early years services.

How will this course be delivered?

This course is work based with college attendance one afternoon and evening per week. You will also be accessing on line learning materials.

The college day for 2012 entrants is Tuesday from 1.30 - 9.00 pm.

What qualifications will I get?

Foundation Degree in Early Years (Sector Endorsed)

How will I be assessed?

The course challenges you to think about your practice as an early years worker in the light of research and current policy. Classes and discussion groups are organised on a weekly basis, and each module is completed with an assessed piece of work designed to allow you to explore the themes you have been studying critically.

How do I get a place on the course?

To start the application process, you will need to register with UCAS via the UCAS website (www.ucas.co.uk) and as part of the UCAS registration process you will be required to pay a registration fee.

As this course is validated by Oxford Brookes University all applications will go directly to Oxford Brookes University via UCAS and then they will be forwarded to Solihull College. In order to attend Solihull College you will need to use the following UCAS codes: Institution code:066 and Course code:L520.

You will be interviewed at Solihull College and you will be required to complete a written task at interview

What are the entry requirements?

You will need to have been working for at least 24 months, of which 12 months must have been full-time and continuous in a relevant childcare and education setting, working with children under 8 years and hold a relevant Level 3 Children's Care Learning and development qualification. A good standard of written and spoken English and mathematics and a positive reference from your employer are also required.

Foundation degrees are not typical degrees, so there is no typical offer. Each application will be considered on its merits and in the light of your employer's commitment to support your learning.

All students need to be able to demonstrate competency in English and Maths, possess suitable references and have a successful College interview.

What else do I need to know?

The fees are £6000 per year. As a full time student you are entitled to apply for a student loan. Please apply via www.studentfinance.direct.gov.uk

An Interview is required to join this course and an application form will be sent out requiring a 500 word statement outlining your current job role; You will also need a reference from your line manager. The duration of the course is 2 years. All applications are to be made through UCAS.

Solihull College offers full time and part time courses for businesses and residents in Birmingham, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Coventry Warwickshire and the whole of the West Midlands.

What can I do after this course?

On completion of the course, many students choose to stay in their current workplace. A growing number choose to complete a third year of study to gain a full honours degree. It is currently possible to join the long EPD training pathway for Early Years Professional Status when you complete your foundation degree, and to study for a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies.

Some foundation degree students, on completion of a third year, apply for the PGCE programme to gain Qualified Teacher Status. Opportunities for further study then exist at postgraduate level, for those who wish to progress further; this includes the MA Childhood Studies.

*If you wish to progress to Initial Teacher Training you must have Mathematics, English and a Science subject at GCSE Grade C or above. If you wish to undertake Early years Professional Status must have English and Maths GCSE grade C or above.

Is there anything else I will have to pay for in order to do this course?

You will be need to provide all basic stationery including pens, pencils, paper, plastic wallets, folders plus any additional stationery which is required for your course. You will also need to purchase text books.

Contact

Blossomfield Campus

Solihull College
Blossomfield Road
Solihull
B91 1SB

Tel: 0121 678 7000
Minicom: 0121 628 7005
Email: enquiries@solihull.ac.uk
Internet: www.solihull.ac.uk

Have you got a question about this course?

Please contact Admissions on 0121 678 7000 with any queries.

Course Details