FdA Supporting and Managing Learning in the Early Years
FdA Supporting and Managing Learning in the Early Years
University, Level 5
2 years Full-time, 3 years Part-time
September 2023
Full-time or Part-time
Lister Building
Overview
This course enables early years staff to develop your career and can form the first two years of a work-based route into teaching. It offers you a flexible programme of academic study to develop your skills and knowledge in the early years and the education sector. We have designed this route so you can develop the professional practice appropriate to your context, role and interests in the early years. The intention is that by working together we will help you to achieve your goals.
Key Info
You will spend one day each week in College and a minimum of two days equivalent study in your setting. Time spent in an early years setting may be on a paid or voluntary basis and it is your responsibility to arrange this placement. A strong element of work-based learning ensures that your studies directly apply to your practice in early years and education. By the end of the course you will be able to:
- appreciate the variety of roles played by professionals and practitioners in early years and education and become better in your own role
- develop personal skills and a broad understanding of early years & education
- identify your own place and contribution to early years & education
- develop the personal and professional skills to make that contribution
- understand and contribute to current national initiatives
You will require a mentor in your setting to support and guide you. The teaching team will also observe you working in your organisation and offer developmental guidance. You will also visit and observe practitioners within your institution and in other settings.
Students will study four compulsory core modules and two optional modules for each stage of the course. Sessions are delivered one day per week with compulsory core modules in the afternoon and optional modules in the morning or evening. There is a range of choices to support your job role and professional development. Specific modules will also involve workplace-based assessment tasks.
Year 1/Level 4:
Compulsory modules:
- Introduction to Academic and Study Skills
- Developing the Professional Team
- Safeguarding Young People
- Play and Learning in the Early Years
Optional modules (choose 2):
- Communication and Language
- Supporting Teaching and Learning in Mathematics
- Supporting and Understanding Behaviour
- Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties
Year 2/Level 5:
Compulsory modules:
- Meeting the Needs of Diverse Learners
- Exploring Principles of Teaching and Learning
- Research for Professional and Academic Progression
- Early Years Principles and Practice
Optional modules (choose 2):
- Developing Science Enquiry
- Learning Outside of the Classroom
- Creative Approaches to Teaching and Learning
- English and Maths – Make no Mistake!
- Promoting Mental Health, Resilience and Well-Being for Children and Adults
- Understanding Autism
Entry to this course requires at least 1 GCSE in GCSE English Language, GCSE Maths or GCSE Science. You will also need a Level 3 qualification. You will be working towards achieving any outstanding GCSEs required for teaching (English, Maths and Science for Early Years/Primary, English and Maths for Secondary/FE) in your setting.
You may seek admission with Advanced Standing or Accreditation of Prior certificated Learning or Experience (APEL). You will be given 20 credits towards the course if you have already achieved HLTA status.
There is no formal interview, but we will have an informal conversation with all candidates to ensure that the course meets their needs.
A satisfactory Enhanced DBS disclosure and health check are also required.
We also consider individual applicants who can demonstrate relevant learning, work/voluntary experience, using our Recognition of Prior Learning process.
Each Module has its own unique assessment, which can take many forms including essays, presentations, reflections on practical activities or portfolios, these will draw upon your experience and knowledge. You will be briefed by your module tutor on the Module assessment and will receive support and guidance.
A voluntary placement or paid work is a compulsory element of the programme as you need to have current experience in an education setting to complete assessed tasks. It is an entry condition of the course that you have work experience that runs alongside the course which you need to find yourself.
We will support you in your career progression. We encourage students to take on higher level roles as they progress through the course and support this process by teaching employability skills in a practical way.
This Foundation Degree provides you with 240 credit points of Undergraduate study to help you pursue further qualifications e.g. Honours degree level, Qualified Teacher Status, or to apply for promoted support posts in schools or colleges such as HLTA, cover supervisor or mentor.
You could progress to the BA (Hons) Supporting Learning in Education to achieve an Honours degree with the same one day a week attendance or the BA (Hons) Teaching and Learning in the Primary Phase to become a primary teacher.
Full-time: £8,000 per year. Part-time: Pro rata rate depending on intensity of study* *Intensity of Study refers to the amount of credits being studied in the academic year.
This is representative of the most common fees scenario, but actual fees can vary depending on a number of factors. Please contact us if you need more guidance.
If you have any questions or require any additional information, please contact [email protected]
Disclaimer: Our prospectus, college documents and website are simply here to offer a guide. We accept no liability for any inaccurate statements and are not responsible for any negative outcomes if you rely on an inaccurate statement. We reserve the right to withdraw any programmes or service at any time.
