Course description
FdA Early Years Professional
As an early years professional you can make a significant difference to children’s lives, working with them at this time of key developmental milestones. This degree will provide you with the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of key concepts and practices that will support your own development as a practitioner, and it is designed to meet the approved ‘full and relevant’ Early Childhood benchmark statements as well as the criteria identified for the Early Years Educator.
You will study with like-minded people across a range of other related professional roles based in your own community. There is the opportunity to progress to a BA or BSc top-up degree on completion. As work-based practice is a key part of this course you have the potential to earn whilst you learn.
Do you work at this organisation and want to update this page?
Is there out-of-date information about your organisation or courses published here? Fill out this form to get in touch with us.
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
We consider applications from individuals from a wide range of prior educational and employment experiences. For all applicants, current or recent experience of working with learners, such as employment or work in a voluntary capacity within a work setting, is desirable.
Standard entry: The normal minimum entry requirement for Foundation Degree courses is the possession of 4 GCSEs (Grade C/4 or above) and 1 A Level or equivalent Level 3 qualification.
Non-standard entry: The University of Worcester and The Learning Institute are committed to providing education to all those who can demonstrate the potential to benefit and succeed. We welcome applicants who hold qualifications or experiences that are different to those shown above, and who can demonstrate the ability to benefit from the course and show their potential to complete the course successfully. Please contact us for more details.
Evidence of level 2 literacy is required, for example key skills or functional skills at level 2 or GCSE English Language at grade C/4 or above. As an alternative, students whose first language is not English may present evidence of a minimum standard of English at IELTS level 6 (with no less than 5.5 in each element). If you do not have evidence of literacy at level 2 or above then you will expected to complete a written task to demonstrate competence in written English.
Training Course Content
Level 4
- Supporting academic skills
- Human growth and development
- Foundations of understanding
- Practitioner enquiry
- Promoting the enabling environment
Level 5
- Understanding our personal and professional selves
- Creative pedagogies
- Assessment, evaluation and planning of learning
- Working in partnership
- Practitioner enquiry in action
- Supporting learning in the early years curriculum
These modules are indicative, and subject to change.
Course delivery details
This foundation degree is accredited by the University of Worcester. It will be delivered using a blended learning approach, which combines face-to-face learning, live online learning, tutorials, work-based learning and independent study. Students will require a basic level of ICT competence and access to a computer with a secure Internet connection.
There will be a weekly learning session (one day per week, 1.00 p.m. - 7.30 p.m.). This will be delivered either face-to-face in a local venue or live online, enabling you to balance study, work and home demands. This day will remain the same for the duration of the foundation degree.
Continuing Studies
The course could provide you with the self-confidence, skills and knowledge to develop your career in the early years sector. For example, FdA Early Years Professional provides you with the required qualification to take a leadership role within early years settings. The course covers all necessary criteria to support you in this role.
Additionally, other progression routes from this degree include roles in children’s centres, school settings or provision in statutory, voluntary and private organisations. The majority of students on similar courses complete a top-up year to gain a full honours degree, with some moving on further into masters level study. This course provides an excellent route to progress to qualified teacher status.