Early Years Sector-Endorsed FdA

If you are working with children in an Early Years setting, this qualification will not only add to your knowledge and understanding, it will also enable you to progress to Honours level study.

The course adopts a child-centred approach to Early Years, providing a framework for academic and professional skills development. You will develop knowledge, understanding and experience in practice.

The course starts by gradually introducing you to the study skills necessary to succeed at University and to develop as reflective practitioners. It moves on to consider child development, children as learners, the early years curriculum, child protection and other relevant areas of study. It requires self-directed study and the ability to link theory to practice. In the final year, you will be required to engage in a small-scale enquiry to enhance the quality of children’s learning in the workplace. Practice learning can be supported within a range of early years settings including children’s centres and childminders.

The course is a sector-endorsed programme endorsed by the Children’s Workforce Development Council and is designed to be work-based, enabling you to work alongside professionals in the field. It is ideally suited for those who are already working in Early Years settings as either employed, voluntary or placement experience as it can be achieved on a part-time basis. The course is delivered in a range of partner institutions: some offer both full-time and part-time routes.

This course enables you to further develop skills, knowledge and understanding of the principles of practice, professional collaboration and management. It also includes planning and managing an Early Years curriculum.

This University of Worcester course is delivered at the following partner institutions

New College (Redditch) (Part-time)
Birmingham Metropolitan College, (Full-time)
Worcester College of Technology, (Part-time)
Ludlow College, (Part-time)
Bournville College, (Part-time)
Herefordshire Local Authority (Part-time)
Halesowen College (Full-time and Part-time)
Stourbridge College (Part-time)

Where can I find out about funding?

Read our CPD leaflet to find out how the FdA can fit into your career development.

Factfile
Entry requirements
Course content
Student views
Get in touch

UCAS code

UCAS is the central organisation through which applications are processed for entry onto full-time undergraduate courses in Higher Education in the UK.

Early Years Sector Endorsed FdA X312 E, J, Q, V FdA/EY

For the latest information, check the UCAS website at www.ucas.com

Study options

Location of Study
This course is delivered at partner institutions – Halesowen College, Birmingham Metropolitan College (Full-time and Part-time), Stourbridge College, New College (Redditch), Worcester College of Technology, Ludlow College & Bournville College (part-time).
The University of Worcester also delivers the programme in partnership with Herefordshire LA Early Years Childcare Service

The following are required for both the standard and non-standard entry:
A statement of support from your current employer to provide the time, opportunity and support for work-based requirements and release to attend university-based study
A testimony from an appropriately qualified referee
Evidence of current police check clearance to work with young children

Get in touch

Admissions Office
01905 855111
admissions@worc.ac.uk

Simone Acton
Partnership Administrator
01905 855036
s.acton@worc.ac.uk

Please see the Get in touch tab for contact details of partner institutions.

140 UCAS Tariff points and 4 GCSEs (including English Language) at Grade C or above plus a minimum of 1 A Level and maximum of 3½ A Levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications.
Details of acceptable level 3 qualifications, policy in relation to mature students or applicants with few or no formal qualifications can be found in the prospectus or on the University web pages. Information on eligibility for accreditation of prior learning for the purposes of entry or advanced standing is also available from the University web pages or from the Registry Admissions Office (01905 855111).

Applicants for the part-time programme route who do not hold the above qualifications will be considered on the basis of prior professional experience and the criteria indicated above.

Part-time students need:
evidence of appropriate support from their setting
a testimony that supports the students commitment and suitability for the course
All students need current police clearance to work with young children (Enhanced CRB)
Further information or guidance is available from Registry Admissions Office (01905 855111)

Modules

Introduction to Professional and academic reflective practice
Childhood, children and learning: theory to practice
Developing a professional, practical and responsive play-based curriculum (Practice/ work-based learning)
Developing academic reflective practice
Safeguarding children in the early years
Assessment, observation and planning to support children’s learning (Practice/ work-based learning)
Collaborative working with parents and others
Developing positive learning environments

Assessment

A variety of assessment methods are used to ensure that you are competent in both the practical and theoretical skills required at this level. Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) can be given for those students who have evidence of appropriate academic qualifications/work based experience.

Early Years Sector-Endorsed FdA student

and Nursery Supervisor/Acting Manager of a nursery located within a children's centre

“The FdA in Early Years has inspired and motivated me to learn both personally and professionally. I now have more confidence with my academic work and in my practice. All of the tutors are very supportive and you are also supported by other students on the course; you never feel that you are on your own.”

Academic department

Institute of Education

“Our high quality programmes and innovative teaching methods prepare and train the very best professionals. Worcester graduates have made a huge difference in the field of education.”
Professor Chris Robertson, Head of Institute

Employability

Those graduating from the degree programme may apply to study for an Honours degree in Integrated Early Childhood Studies or other related subjects from which it is possible to apply for a PGCE (Qualified Teacher Status) course (providing you also have mathematics, science and English at GCSE).

The Foundation degree is also a route to Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) (providing you also have mathematics and English at GCSE). In areas other than education it is a suitable basis for a range of careers in social work, children’s charities, nurseries, day-care, schools and the Health Service.

To find out more about the course, contact the University of Worcester or one of our partner colleges.

University of Worcester
Admissions Office
01905 855111
admissions@worc.ac.uk

Simone Acton
Partnership Administrator
01905 855036
s.acton@worc.ac.uk

Birmingham Metropolitan College
Dawn Rutherford
0121 603 4757
dawn.rutherford@bmetc.ac.uk

Morag Wigg
morag.wigg@bmetc.ac.uk

Faye Perryman
Administrator
0121 355 5671
faye.perryman@bmetc.ac.uk

Bournville College, Birmingham

Kathryn Beaney
0121 483 1000
kathryn.beaney@bournville.ac.uk

Hereford Early Years & Extended Services
Alison Murphy
01432 260 844
amurphy@herefordshire.gov.uk

Michael Reed
01905 855064
m.reed@worc.ac.uk

Ludlow College
Teresa Houghton
01584 872846
thoughton@ludlow-college.ac.uk

NEW College, Bromsgrove
Carole Pannell
01527 405824
cpannell@ne-worcs.ac.uk