Early Years (0-8) Foundation Degree

What makes Early Years at Worcester special?

The Early Years (0-8) Foundation Degree is a new and innovative course for people who are working, or who aspire to work, in the Early Years sector. It is designed to fit around your needs and if you find it difficult to attend regular classes, but would like to develop your skills, then this is the course for you.

This flexible degree option allows you to study online and meet face to face on a Saturday at the University eight times per year. Part-time/full-time opportunities to study face to face at a local college are also available on the Early Years (0-8) Foundation degree. It is only the University of Worcester that delivers the flexible programme.

Throughout the degree, you will be offered the opportunity to develop the appropriate professional attributes, knowledge and understanding required for the care and education of children within national and international contexts. This interconnected approach is reflected in a range of assignments designed to encourage you to consider a variety of perspectives and the development of critical skills in relation to theory applied to practice.

A recording of a 'Coffee and Chat' session will introduce you to the Foundation degree, give you the opportunity to hear from current students and find out more about working in the field of Early Years.

Has your L3 qualification been affected by a lack of placement opportunity during the Covid pandemic or do you have a ‘knowledge only’ L3 qualification?

Our FdA Early Years (0-8) (Professional Practice) is recognised by the Department for Education and Ofsted as providing you with a qualification that meets the full and relevant criteria necessary for you to be included in the ratios within an Ofsted registered setting. Assessed Practice hours, completed as part of the FdA Early Years (0-8) (Professional Practice) will support your future employment by providing you with the opportunity to gain a full and relevant qualification by the time you graduate.

Please contact Janet Harvell j.harvell@worc.ac.uk for further information.

Overview

Key features

96% of students in work or undertaking further study upon completion of their degree
Enhancement of your academic and professional development whilst you work
Provides theoretical insights on your professional practice and develop your leadership potential
The professional practice pathway has 'Full and Relevant' status with the Department for Education
Flexible learning means that during a normal week students are able to engage in their learning activities at a time that suits their personal situation.This is supported through 8 online learning activities released during the year for each module that is studied, together with 8 Saturday workshop sessions and 2 Summer School days.
Early Years conference in February
Opportunity to progress to a BA Top-up degree and to Early Years Teaching
International opportunities available
Opportunities to take part in International Study Trips

Register your interest

Enter your details below and we will keep you up to date with useful information about studying at the University of Worcester.

Pathway options

This foundation degree is designed to be flexible, dependent on your career aspirations and you are given a choice of pathways:

Early Years (0-8) (Professional Practice) pathway. This pathway has 'Full and Relevant' status with the DfE and allows you to meet the Early Years Educator (EYE) standards and achieve 'Full and Relevant' status by the end of your course. This is important to employers as it lets them count you in EYFS staff:child ratios at level 3.
Early Years (0-8) pathway. This is the best pathway for those who already have a 'Full and Relevant' level 3 qualification. It enables you to further develop your professional practice within early years or to progress to a teaching career.

Jake Robbins - Herefordshire and Ludlow College

Jake completed the Health and Social Care Level 3 course, before deciding to then move on to the Foundation Degree in Early Years. Jake’s long-term plans are to become a teacher in a Primary School and he is currently volunteering at Weston Under Penyard Nursery.

“After finishing my Health and Social Care course, I knew that I wanted to pursue a route into early years and indirectly, my work experience on that course led me to this one. The foundation degree is a great fit, as it allows me not only to learn valuable skills but I can apply them in my work as well as earning alongside my education.

A lot of guest speakers come in to give their perspectives on the early years teaching environment and we also get the opportunity to go to Worcester for lectures at the University. I have taken part in a variety of activities, such as role-play and even some carpentry. Alongside the experience and knowledge the tutors can pass on, they’ve also been able to give great guidance and advice on career pathways too, which I feel has been really important to me.”

Sarah Reed - Herefordshire and Ludlow College

“I previously studied the Level 3 Childcare course at the College, then took a break from education to expand my skills and knowledge, working abroad for three years and in various other roles. I then decided to further my education and started the Foundation Degree in Early Years.

I enjoy the flexibility of the course, as I only study in college one day per week, so I am still able to work alongside attending college. I really enjoy the discussion part of the course, as you can learn from each other and I love studying from both a practical and theory point of view. There is a lot of support from staff and learning in small groups suits my style of studying.

I plan to follow on from this course with a top-up degree and then I want to go into the School Direct training programme for teacher training within a primary school. The College has set me up for my future career and I would recommend the course to anyone who wants to further their education in early years.”

Sally Eldridge - Early Year foundation degree graduate

Sally Eldridge - Preschool Manager

I enrolled on the Foundation Degree to gain further knowledge within a new role. Although I developed into a confident practitioner, there were several challenges to overcome such as studying alongside a full time job and having a hectic home life (3 children, 2 dogs and a husband). Being Dyslexic was also an issue, but I received great help and support from the University.

The Foundation course provided me with a deeper understanding of child learning and development, and given me greater confidence to deal with children, parents, and multi-agencies and to talk in front of an audience. I enjoyed it so much, I went on to complete and achieve a 2:1 in Integrated working with children and families BA (Hons).

Dale Ramsey - Ofsted Inspector and Nursery Operations Manager

My journey began when I worked as an apprentice Early Years Educator alongside my full-time college studies. This is where I realised I had a passion for offering children inspiring experiences and opportunities to enhance their learning and development. I was keen to explore the impact that I could have on this aspect in a leadership or management role. My biggest challenge was in balancing a full-time job and studies, however, by being proactive with time management and work load planning, I was able to overcome this.

The course has developed my professional confidence massively and encouraged me to be an extremely reflexive practitioner, leader and inspector.

Woman in graduation robes holding a hat above her head

Alpa Williams - Reception Teacher

The reason for starting the course is that it was time to do something for me. My family seemed to be doing their own thing and even my youngest was starting school. My favourite part of the Foundation degree was the friendships, the support of others and the self-challenge. It has helped to build my confidence and improved the way others view me.

If I was to offer advice to future students it would be to prioritise your tasks at all times and keep a notebook by your bed as it's surprising how much sense you make when you’re not thinking about it. Also, don't be scared to say what you think because no-one is wrong. You just need to back it up.

Lauren Beddall

After completing my NVQ, I explored the idea of working towards a Foundation Degree in Early Years. Whilst working towards my Foundation Degree I decided to move to a nursery setting within a school, located within an affluent area and my job title became ‘nursery nurse’. After receiving incredible feedback from my lecturer, I signed up to the ‘integrated working with children and families’ BA Hons full-time top up degree. I’m currently working on ‘cognitive behaviour therapy’ and ‘educational psychology’ qualifications whilst remaining in my nursery nurse position.

My university experience has not only helped me to develop educationally, I also feel as though I have developed as a person. It has supported development in my professionalism, thoughtfulness and encouraged me to look at and consider wider perspectives.

What qualifications will you need?

32

UCAS tariff points

Entry requirements

32 UCAS Tariff points

Minimum of four GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above
Evidence of Level 2 Literacy and L2 Mathematics; for example key skills at Level 2 or GCSE English Language or Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above
Acceptable qualifications include a minimum of 1 A Level or an equivalent Level 3 qualification, for example the CACHE Diploma or EdExcel BTEC National Diploma in Children's Care, Learning and Development

NB For the Early Years (0-8) pathway, if you do not have evidence of Literacy at Level 2, it will be necessary to complete a non-standard entry essay to demonstrate competence in written English

Through our non-standard entry route we welcome applications from experienced and mature practitioners who do not have the above qualifications

Further information can be obtained by contacting the Admissions Office on 01905 855111

Other information

A current Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) is required.

You will also be subject to the usual prohibition list and criminal record checks.

If you have lived, studied or worked overseas for three months or more in the last five years a Certificate of Good Conduct from the country of residence will be required. Further information and guidance associated with additional costs are available from the Home Office.

What will you study?

Our courses are informed by research and current developments in the discipline and feedback from students, external examiners and employers. Modules do therefore change periodically in the interests of keeping the course relevant and reflecting best practice. The most up-to-date information will be available to you once you have accepted a place and registered for the course.

Year 1	The Developing Child Health and Wellbeing Playful Pedagogy Introduction to Work-Based Learning/Theory for Early Years Educator Foundation Graduate
Year 2	Childhood, a Global Perspective Policy into practice Safeguarding children's welfare in the Early years and Integrating our work with other agencies Small scale practice - based enquiry and future progression/early educator small scale practice-based enquiry

Alpa Williams - Reception Teacher

The reason for starting the course is that it was time to do something for me. My family seemed to be doing their own thing and even my youngest was starting school. My favourite part of the Foundation degree was the friendships, the support of others and the self-challenge. It has helped to build my confidence and improved the way others view me.

If I was to offer advice to future students it would be to prioritise your tasks at all times and keep a notebook by your bed as it's surprising how much sense you make when you’re not thinking about it. Also, don't be scared to say what you think because no-one is wrong. You just need to back it up.

Dale Ramsey - Ofsted Inspector and Nursery Operations Manager

My journey began when I worked as an apprentice Early Years Educator alongside my full-time college studies. This is where I realised I had a passion for offering children inspiring experiences and opportunities to enhance their learning and development. I was keen to explore the impact that I could have on this aspect in a leadership or management role. My biggest challenge was in balancing a full-time job and studies, however, by being proactive with time management and work load planning, I was able to overcome this.

The course has developed my professional confidence massively and encouraged me to be an extremely reflexive practitioner, leader and inspector.

Sally Eldridge - Preschool Manager

I enrolled on the Foundation Degree to gain further knowledge within a new role. Although I developed into a confident practitioner, there were several challenges to overcome such as studying alongside a full time job and having a hectic home life (3 children, 2 dogs and a husband). Being Dyslexic was also an issue, but I received great help and support from the University.

The Foundation course provided me with a deeper understanding of child learning and development, and given me greater confidence to deal with children, parents, and multi-agencies and to talk in front of an audience. I enjoyed it so much, I went on to complete and achieve a 2:1 in Integrated working with children and families BA (Hons).

Lauren Beddall

After completing my NVQ, I explored the idea of working towards a Foundation Degree in Early Years. Whilst working towards my Foundation Degree I decided to move to a nursery setting within a school, located within an affluent area and my job title became ‘nursery nurse’. After receiving incredible feedback from my lecturer, I signed up to the ‘integrated working with children and families’ BA Hons full-time top up degree. I’m currently working on ‘cognitive behaviour therapy’ and ‘educational psychology’ qualifications whilst remaining in my nursery nurse position.

My university experience has not only helped me to develop educationally, I also feel as though I have developed as a person. It has supported development in my professionalism, thoughtfulness and encouraged me to look at and consider wider perspectives.

How will you be taught?

The University places emphasis on enabling students to develop the independent learning capabilities that will equip you for lifelong learning and future employment, as well as academic achievement. A mixture of independent study, teaching and academic support through the personal academic tutoring system enables you to reflect on progress and build up a profile of skills, achievements and experiences that will enable you to flourish and be successful.

To support the transition, 2 summer school days are planned to introduce new students to the university, their peers and flexible learning.

Teaching

This mode of delivery involves a blended learning approach. You will be able to organise your own learning during the week to fit in with work and personal commitments. This will be supported through a combination of face to face workshops and Online Learning Activities. It is expected that you will engage in a significant amount of independent study time online, supported by the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Blackboard. Students choosing to study in this mode require a basic level of ICT competence and computer and software which enables access to information via the VLE and the web.

In addition, contact with personal academic tutors through the online classroom will be scheduled twice a year. You also have an opportunity to arrange additional meetings with tutors either face to face, online or telephone.

You will be expected to engage in practice-based learning for a minimum of 385 hours per year as a full-Time student, or 257 hours per year as a PT student. This equates to approximately 3 days a week for full-time students and 2 days per week for part-time. This can be in the form of paid work or as a student placement.

Contact time

In a typical month, you will have one full day in university, with planned sessions for each module. As a full-time student, you will study 4 modules each year, for two years. As a part-time student you will study 3 modules in Years 1 and 2, and 2 modules in Year 3. An Online Learning Activity (OLA) is also uploaded onto Blackboard, approximately one each month for each module. Over the year you will attend 8 Face to Face Saturday sessions, and complete 8 OLAs for each module. Typically class contact time will be structured around:

A review of the OLA
Introduction to subject areas related to the module

Independent self-study

In addition to the contact time, you are expected to undertake around 7 hours of independent learning per module per week. This can be completed at any time during the week, and typically, will involve completing OLA activities and independent reading and research related to specific modules. The Resource List identifies key readings, together with OLA recommendations and signposting during face to face sessions.

Independent learning is supported by a range of excellent learning facilities, including the Hive and library resources, the virtual learning environment, and extensive electronic learning resources.

Independent self-study

In addition to the contact time, you are expected to undertake around 6 hours of personal self-study per module per week. Typically, this will involve completing OLA activities and independent reading and research related to specific modules. The Resource List identifies key readings, together with OLA recommendations and signposting during F2F sessions.

Independent learning is supported by a range of excellent learning facilities, including the Hive and library resources, the virtual learning environment, and extensive electronic learning resources.

Teaching staff

You will be taught by a teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The degree is delivered through a partnership which includes senior academics, UW registered lecturers and practice professionals.

Teaching is based on research; 30 per cent of course lecturers and partnership team members have a higher education teaching qualification or are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy. You can learn more about the staff by visiting our staff profiles.

Assessment

The course provides opportunities to test understanding and learning informally through the completion of practice or 'formative' assignments. Each module has two or more formal or 'summative' assessments, which are graded and count towards the overall module grade.

Assessment methods include presentations, reports, posters, essays, a long study, practice-based learning portfolios, observations of children's learning, appreciative inquiry and practice-based inquiry and professional reflective journal. Assessment is directly related to current practice expectations and is integrated within all of the course's teaching.

Preparation for summative assessment is structured into teaching methods through the formative processes of active induction, guided exploration, self-organising learner and self-organised learner.

A typical formal summative assessment pattern for each year of the course is:

Year 1 (Full Time)
7 assignments
1 Practice Portfolio
Year 1 (Part time)
5 assignments
1 Practice Portfolio (to be handed in during second year)
Year 2 (Full Time)
7 assignments
1 Practice based enquiry/Practice Portfolio
Year 2 (Part Time)
4 assignments
1 Practice based enquiry/Practice Portfolio
Year 3 (Part Time)
4 assignments

You have an opportunity throughout each module to submit formative work and will receive formative, constructive feedback and feed forward from tutors (and peers where appropriate) that will support your preparation for summative assessment.

Feedback

You will receive feedback on practice assessments and on formal assessments undertaken by coursework. Feedback is intended to support learning and you are encouraged to discuss it with personal academic tutors and module tutors as appropriate.

We aim to provide you with feedback on formal course work assessments within 20 working days of hand-in.

Programme specification

For comprehensive details on the aims and intended learning outcomes of the course, and the means by which these are achieved through learning, teaching and assessment, please download the latest programme specification document.

Meet the team

You will be taught by a teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The degree is delivered through a partnership which includes senior academics, University of Worcester registered lecturers and practice professionals.

Teaching is based on research; 30 per cent of course lecturers and partnership team members have a higher education teaching qualification or are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy. You can learn more about the staff by visiting our staff profiles or through the respective FE college website.

Here are a few of the current members of the department who teach on this course:

Janet Harvell

Having originally trained as a junior/secondary teacher Janet became interested in the early years when she became involved in the local preschool setting as a parent, volunteer helper and committee member. This then led to becoming an Associate Manager of a 44-place day nursery. During this time Janet became an assessor and verifier for NVQs in Early Years and also worked as a freelance Ofsted Early Years Inspector.

Janet has lived, studied and worked abroad (Zambia, Malawi, Hong Kong, USA and Saudi Arabia) and from this comes a passion for raising awareness and understanding of the impact that different cultures have on children and families.

Michelle Malomo

Michelle Malomo is a Senior Lecturer in the Department for Children and Families within the School of Education. Michelle lectures on a number of courses within the Department for Children and Families. She is the Partnership Co-ordinator for the Foundation Degree in Early Years.

Michelle is a qualified Early Years and Playwork Practitioner with experience in both the private and voluntary sector. Her experience includes management with the Early Years sector youth and children’s development work within the voluntary sector. Michelle has worked in a range of settings and has been responsible for the development of social action projects with children, young people and families.

Michelle Rogers

Michelle has worked in Higher Education for the past fourteen years, both in an FE college and as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Worcester. During her time at University Michelle has been involved with curriculum development and designing online learning environment. More recently she lead the development of a flexible and distributed pathway for a Foundation Degree.

Prior to working in Higher Education Michelle's interests were in autism in early years, behaviour conduct disorders, early development psychology and enhancing the learning environment. Her current research interests revolve around teaching and learning, online learning, the student experience, online curriculum development and online communities of practice.

Angela Hodgkins

Angela taught in F.E. Colleges for 12 years and spent 5 years as the Course Leader of the Foundation Degree in Early Years at Halesowen College before moving to UW in 2014, where she now leads the BA (Hons) Integrated Working with Children and Families.

Angela is currently studying for an MPhil/PhD, investigating perceptions and management of empathic interactions within the early years profession.

Simone Acton

Simone is the Education Administrator for the FdA in Early Years and Collaborative Working with Children, Young People and Families FdA. She provides administrative support to academic staff within the Department for Children and Families teams, who run these programmes as part of their wider roles.

Simone is the central point of contact for staff, students and a range of external organisations including partner colleges. She is responsible for ensuring the efficient management of all administration relating to the FdA in Early Years and Collaborative Working with Children, Young People and Families FdA as well as making significant contributions to the management of programme quality.

Where could it take you?

Employability

Those graduating from the degree programme may apply to study for an Honours degree in Integrated Working with Children & Families BA (Hons) Top-up degree or other related subjects.

From this, it is possible to apply for a PGCE (Qualified Teacher Status) course and Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) providing you also have English, Mathematics and Science at GCSE Grade C or above. It is also a suitable basis for a range of careers in social work, children's charities, nurseries, day-care, schools and the Health Service.

"I just want to say as an older student on the flexible pathway the support you give students is tremendous and I would recommend studying at Worcester to everyone"

Zoe, FdA EY FdL student

How much will it cost?

Full-time tuition fees	UK and EU students The standard tuition fee for full-time UK and EU students registering in the academic year 2021/22 is £9,250 per year. For more details, please visit our course fees page.	International students The standard tuition fee for full-time international students registering in the academic year 2021/22 is £13,100 per year. For more details, please visit our course fees page.
Part-time tuition fees	UK and EU students The standard tuition fees for part-time UK and EU students registering on this course in the academic year 2021/22 are £1,156 per 15-credit module, £1,542 per 20 credit module, £2,313 per 30-credit module, £3,083 per 40-credit module, £3,469 per 45-credit module and £4,625 per 60 credit module. For more details, please visit our course fees page.
Additional costs	Every course has day-to-day costs for essential books, stationery, printing and photocopying. Travel costs for placements vary depending on the location of school or setting and your mode of transport.
Finance	All eligible students should be entitled to a student loan to cover the cost of their fees. Find out more about student finance.
Accommodation	Finding the right accommodation is paramount to your university experience. Our halls of residence are home to friendly student communities, making them great places to live and study. We have over 1,000 rooms across our range of student halls. With rooms to suit every budget and need, from our 'Traditional Hall' at £108 per week to 'En-suite Extra' at £184 per week (2021/22 prices). For full details visit our accommodation page.

How do you apply?

Applying through UCAS

X313 Early Years (0-8) (Professional Practice) pathway

X312 Early Years (0-8) pathway

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

Read our How to apply pages for more information on applying and to find out what happens to your application.

Apply via UCAS

Part-time applications

Please make part-time applications to study at the University of Worcester via our online application form. If you have any questions, please contact the Admissions office on 01905 855111 or admissions@worc.ac.uk.

Apply online - Part time

Get in touch

To find out more about the course, contact the University of Worcester:

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

Janet Harvell
Course Leader FdA Early Years (0-8)/Fda Early Years (0-8) (Professional Practice) FDL
01905 542626
j.harvell@worc.ac.uk

Michelle Malomo
FdA Early Years Partnership Co-ordinator
01905 542075
m.malomo@worc.ac.uk

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

Admissions office

admissions@worc.ac.uk

01905 855111

Early Years (0-8) Foundation Degree - flexible distributed learning pathway

What makes Early Years at Worcester special?

Overview

Key features

Register your interest

Pathway options

Join us this September

Jake Robbins - Herefordshire and Ludlow College

Sarah Reed - Herefordshire and Ludlow College

Sally Eldridge - Preschool Manager

Dale Ramsey - Ofsted Inspector and Nursery Operations Manager

Alpa Williams - Reception Teacher

Lauren Beddall

What qualifications will you need?

Entry requirements

Other information

Book your place at an Open Day

What will you study?

Year 1

Year 2

Alpa Williams - Reception Teacher

Dale Ramsey - Ofsted Inspector and Nursery Operations Manager

Sally Eldridge - Preschool Manager

Lauren Beddall

How will you be taught?

Teaching

Contact time

Independent self-study

Teaching staff

Assessment

Feedback

Programme specification

Meet the team

Janet Harvell

Michelle Malomo

Michelle Rogers

Angela Hodgkins

Simone Acton

Where could it take you?

Employability

Request or download a prospectus

How much will it cost?

Full-time tuition fees

UK and EU students

International students

Part-time tuition fees

UK and EU students

Additional costs

Finance

Accommodation

How do you apply?

Applying through UCAS

Part-time applications

Get in touch

Admissions office

School of Education - Similar Courses

Early Years Professional FdA

Learning and Development from Early Years to Adolescence (0-19) FdA

Early Childhood in Society (Graduate Practitioner) BA (Hons)