Featuring work-based learning and academic qualifications this course is ideal for those who have experience of working or volunteering with children aged 0-5 years in children’s centres, nurseries and pre-schools.
By providing learners with an academic route, our course enables committed and hardworking practitioners to gain recognition for their advanced skills. We bring together learning on the job and college/university attendance, allowing students to get the best of both worlds and study for a formal qualification while in employment.
Most participants will study full-time and should expect to complete the course in two years. There is however a part-time option, further details are available on request.
If you are keen to develop your skills and gain recognition for those you have already gained then this could be the course for you.
Some of our modules
- Early years Policy and practice
- Becoming a Senior Practitioner
- Child Development
- Working with Families
- Reflective Practice
- Students also complete a work-based project related to an area of interest.
Benefits
- Gain recognition for advanced skills
- Enhanced understanding of children's development
- Combines work-based learning with college/university attendance allowing participants to study for a formal qualification as they continue in employment.
- Study for their degree locally.
Job opportunities
- On successful completion of your foundation degree it is possible to progress to the final year of a bachelor's degree with honours in Early Childhood Studies
- Those wishing to progress further and gain Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) should discuss this with the course leader
Full-time entry requirements
- Candidates will be interviewed
- Candidates 21 years and over should also have a minimum of two years experience in relevant employment of at least the equivalent of a half-time post, or organised voluntary work.
- Candidates who are under 21 years will need a level 3 qualification in Childcare or have a minimum 80 UCAS tariff points and 2 years post-qualifying experience.
- A reference will be sought from your employer to indicate that you will have the support of your employer throughout the course
- All entrants will need a current Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) certificate
When can you study?
Full time or Part time
Location?
Currently Level 1 (year 1) at the Royal Forest of Dean College and Level 2 (year 2) at the University of Gloucestershire Francis Close Hall Campus
For advice and guidance contact:
Margaret Hewis, Course Leader Early Years Foundation Degree
Royal Forest of Dean College, Five Acres, Coleford, Glos, GL16 7JT
Tel: 01594 838485 / 01594 833416
Email: mp_hewis@rfdc.ac.uk