Introduction

The Foundation Degree provides an opportunity for people who are working with young children 0-5 years, in an educational/child care setting to develop their professional understanding, knowledge and key skills whilst still working. Successful completion gives you 240 higher education credits; 120 at Level 1 and 120 at Level 2.

The principal aims of the programme are to widen access into higher education by placing value on participants’ experience and by enabling them to acquire knowledge and understanding related to roles in which they are currently employed through developing their ability to engage in reading, reflection, debate and enquiry. A related aim is to enhance career prospects for those who work with babies, toddlers and young children, for example, by providing the basis for an alternative route into teaching or other careers involving work with young children and families that will enable participants to continue working.

Content and Structure

The Foundation Degree consists of twelve courses. You will undertake six courses, each worth 20 credits, at Level 1 and six courses, again each worth 20 credits, at Level 2. Each course consists of 30 hours tuition time, as well as specified tasks, activities at the work base and independent study.

Each course will be assessed using a variety of methods such as short presentations, reflections on observations or tasks carried out in your work place, short essays and a seen timed paper. You will be given support in carrying out these assessments as it is recognised that, for some people, formal study may not have been undertaken for some time.

The pattern of delivery is one day a week. There may be some cases where the programme continues into half-term breaks and/or school holidays. One full day would involve six hours of contact time, enabling two courses, each consisting of 30 hours of contact time to be completed within a term. This allows the 12 courses (240 credits) to be completed over a period of two academic years

Important Information

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The Foundation Degree is designed to provide a route into higher education for people who may not have traditional A-level qualifications, but who have considerable experience of working in the fields of Early Years education and/or childcare, and can demonstrate the potential to work at a Higher Education level. Normally candidates will be expected to hold a NQF Level 3 qualification or equivalent. There are four entry requirements, requiring that participants:

1. Be employed for a minimum of 15 hours per week either paid or voluntary. Working with young children.

A letter from the applicant’s employer/supervisor must accompany any application. This letter must support the application by confirming the applicant’s involvement with young children and state that every effort will be made to support the applicant in undertaking the work-based activities required by the programme. Self-employed applicants must state in writing that they are able to meet the requirements of work-based tasks and provide a reference from a professional person who has known the applicant for a minimum of two years who can confirm the applicant’s involvement with young children in a work context.

2. Have a GCSE at grade C (or equivalent) in English Language;

3. Normally have an NQF (NVQ) Level 3 qualification (or equivalent).

If you do not meet requirement 3 you may be able to undertake an Orientation course that will include:

• study skills
• ability to engage in discussion and debate
• use of oral and written English

You will be assessed on your performance on the Orientation course, and you will be asked to submit a reflective portfolio which will be explained. If you complete the Orientation course successfully you can enter the Foundation Degree Professional Studies in Early Years.

If you have Higher Education credits awarded within the period of five years prior to entry to the programme you may be able to use them as exemption from up to a maximum of 60 credits of Level 1 of the Foundation Degree. You will need to discuss credit exemption with the Programme Director. If you are not sure about the credits of your existing qualifications it is possible to have these checked.

NVQ Level 3 may be used as an entry qualification as can any Level 3 City and Guilds course. They cannot be used as credit exemption from the actual Foundation Degree.

4. Have had two years experience in a relevant work setting with young children 0 - 5 years.

OPTIONS AFTER THE FOUNDATION DEGREE

Once the Foundation Degree has been completed successfully you have several options as shown below:

• Enhanced professional awareness in current post with increased chances of promotion.
• Yr3 ’top up’ with BA Hons Early Years Studies with recommendation for EYPS (subject to validation) please note that to achieve EYPS Status you must have gained GCSE Maths Garde C or above by the end of the course.
• Postgraduate training e.g. Graduate Teacher scheme, modular postgraduate route, social work diploma etc.

Graduate Leader Fund

The Graduate Leader Fund is the Government's main investment in improving the quality of the early year's workforce and provides local authorities with a long term funding commitment.

If you wish to access the Graduate Leader Fund for financial support for this programme you must to contact the relevant local authority before applying:

Kent: Paula Freathy
paula.freathy@kent.gov.uk
01622 749974

Medway: Kirsteen Harris
kirsteen.harris@medway.gov.uk

How to Apply

If you wish to apply for the Foundation Degree Professional Studies in Early Years or Orientation course please contact Student Recruitment for an application form on 01227 782463 or

Email: admissions@canterbury.ac.uk

Or in writing to:

Student Recruitment Department
Canterbury Christ Church University
North Holmes Road
Canterbury le
Kent
CT1 1QU

An application form can also be downloaded here.

A Frequently Asked Questions leaflet can be downloaded here.

Department of Childhood Studies