Courses

Foundation Degree in Early Years (awarded by Kingston University)

When & Where

19 September 2023 - 5 June 2025 ( 225 hours, 60 weeks )
North Kensington Centre

Quick Facts

Availability Yes
Course Code K23ESWA01A
Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

Have you always thought about doing a degree and wish you could find a way to work and study together? Well here is the ideal qualification that allows you to do both and gain a nationally recognised qualification. Foundation Degrees are higher education qualifications which combine academic study with work-based learning. They provide a training pathway for those who want to remain in work while studying for a higher education award. The Kingston University Foundation Degree in Early Years is a professionally recognised two-year degree that is highly valued by employers. This Sector-Endorsed Foundation Degree in Early Years (SEFDEY) approved course combines academic study with work-based learning. It is run in collaboration with partner colleges across London and Surrey. The course covers a wide range of critical and contemporary issues in the field of education and other related sectors. It explores international perspectives, child protection, communication theories and multi-professional practice. You will examine theoretical and practice-based knowledge to support approaches to working with children from birth to five years of age in a variety of settings. This course combines work-based practice with theoretical knowledge, covering a wide range of perspectives and current issues in the field of education and other related sectors, relevant for those working in early years settings. You will also explore international perspectives and the latest developments within the field of early years. It provides a route into higher education for experienced and committed early years practitioners, enabling you to progress from level 3 to a foundation degree.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Personal and Professional Development Through Reflective Practice (30 credits) This module offers students the opportunity to examine in detail child development theories and key influential pioneers of current practice.
Child Development, Observation and Assessment (30 credits) This module offers students the opportunity to examine in detail child development theories and key influential pioneers of current practice
Child Protection and Ethical Practices of Working With Children (30 credits) This module introduces students to the legal and ethical requirements for ensuring that all children and young people are protected and make progress in learning and development
Inclusive Education and Interprofessional Perspectives (30 Credits) This module introduces students to the statutory requirements for ensuring that children who have additional needs continue to make progress through the curriculum
Early Years Pedagogy and Practice (30 credits) This second year module critically evaluates effective pedagogy and practice with theoretical underpinning in the Early Years
Historical and International Perspectives of Early Years Education (30 credits) This second year module is an exciting opportunity to explore key influencing historical and international theories and systems that are evident in current early practice
Effective Communication Skills (30 credits) This second year module provides students with the opportunity to develop effective communication skills for different audiences and contexts.
Special Project (30 credits) This second year module enables students to extend their professional development in a chosen area of practice within the field of special educational needs and inclusive practice.
On successful completion of the course, you will achieve the following qualification: Foundation Degree in Early Year (with Early Years Educator) or Foundation Degree in Early Years

On successful completion of the course, you will achieve the following qualification: Foundation Degree in Early Years Childcare and Education [SBU]

Class format and activities

Mode of delivery: in-centre with some online delivery. Microsoft Teams online platform and supported apps are used to support learning together with videos to review lectures, work-based learning activities, presentations, tutorials, online learning, workshops, critical debates and seminars. In addition, you will be supported by a work-based professional advocate and tutors at Morley College London, with occasional attendance at Kingston University. Progress is measured by assignments, demonstration of professional competence in work-based situations, and practical demonstrations that apply the knowledge you have gained. There are no written exams. When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.

Entry Requirements

Typical offer /entry requirements are a Level 3 early years qualification (or equivalent); employment in an appropriate setting (either paid or voluntary) for at least 16 hours per week for the duration of the course and normally two years' experience in appropriate early years setting Level 3 (or equivalent) qualification in Early Years or relevant subject. Work experience in a relevant setting. Employment in an appropriate early years’ setting (paid or voluntary) for at least 16 hours per week for the duration of the course. Enhanced DBS check and selection exercises. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview. We will consider a range of alternative qualifications or experience that is equivalent to the typical offer. Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) is offered for those who are unsure of the current value of their qualifications. We are seeking people who wish to enthuse and motivate young children as well as developing further their own knowledge, skills and understanding in young children's care and education.

Before you enrol

The Foundation Degree in Early Years at Morley College London is a 'Full and Relevant' degree students without Early Years Educator can obtain through the Early Years Educator pathway run in collaboration n University at Level 4 and Level 5. All students attend college for one evening per week between 3.30 pm and 9.30 pm on a Tuesday or Thursday. The programme provides a unique approach for work-based learners to gain a degree qualification, combining theoretical academic study and work to enhance and deepen knowledge and improve practice. At this level of academic study, at least 90 % attendance and punctuality are required from all students. Apply through UCAS between now and early September or contact Debra Corboy to arrange an interview at the college: debra.corboy@morleycollege.ac.uk

What you need

If you are interested in the applying for the Foundation Degree in Early Years’, please apply via UCAS as follows: UCAS Application: https://www.ucas.com/ucas/undergraduate/ucas-undergraduate-apply-and-track When you apply through UCAS, please ensure you input the Course Code, which is X110 and the Campus Code N. The institution you are studying with is Kingston University in Collaboration with Morley College London. Student Finance: https://www.gov.uk/student-finance-register-login The course is classified as a full-time, work-based program of study.

What you can do next

Once you have completed this FdA, followed by the BA (Hons) top-up, you will be well-placed to pursue postgraduate opportunities and enhance your professional development in education and related fields. The Foundation Degree in Early Years leads to several possible pathways. BA (Hons.) in Early Years Education and Leadership Practice BA (Hons.) in Early Years Teaching and Learning BA (Hons.) in Children’s Special Educational Needs and Inclusive Practice (0-19 years) Types of jobs Early Years Professional Early Years Room Leader Outreach Worker Early Years Manager Early Years Adviser Learning Support Play Worker Primary Teacher (following postgraduate training) Higher Level Teaching Assistant Community based Nursery Nurse Family Support Workers Unqualified Teachers Training and development advisers within day care settings/local authorities Employers County Councils State and Independent Primary Schools Multi Academy Trusts Early Years and Nursery Settings NHS Children's Centres Refugee provision Charities and non-government organisations Many graduates return to Kingston University for postgraduate and continuing professional development studies. These include Early Years Initial Teacher Training leading to Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS), the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and MRes (Education). More than 99% of students from this course, delivered by Morley College London and validated by Kingston University, are in employment or further study six months after graduating (DHLE 2016/17). You can learn while you earn, combining a minimum of 16 hours' workplace learning with part-time study at Morley College London. Once you complete the course you'll have 240 academic credits. Rather than written exams, you'll be assessed through a variety of assignments.