This course is designed for those seeking to enter the Early Years workforce and those currently employed within it. You may have several years of experience and be seeking to enhance your qualifications in order to progress in your career. You may want to embark on a career working with young children for the first time. Whatever your levels of experience, if you know that working with young children is what you want to do, then the Foundation Degree in Early Years - followed by the BA (Hon) third year - may well be for you. The course is suitable for anyone seeking a degree in the Early Years and particularly for those pursuing a career in primary school teaching and those aiming for Early Years Professional Status (EYPS).
The course is two years full-time, but there are also part-time routes studied on a modular basis.
In the first year there is a block of work experience lasting four weeks part way through each semester. In the second year, there is an eight week work experience placement between semesters three and four. The academic year is September-June.
The course consists of 12 twenty credit modules:
Year 1: Maths, Science and the Child; Language, Literacy and the Child; Professional Practice and the Workplace; Play and Learning; Learning and Development; Applied Social Science.
Year 2: Early Years Curriculum; Professional Practice; Regulatory and Legislation Framework of Early Years; Working with Children and Families; Special Study; Independent Study.
At interview and in your personal statement, we are looking for you to demonstrate the following personal qualities skills, although all will be further developed throughout your learning:
• Evidence of an interest in working with children.
• Communication Skills. Commitment, enthusiasm and an ability to relate to children and families are essential ingredients for developing a fruitful and satisfying career in early years care and education. Your course could include oral presentations, formal report writing and in-depth research.
• Group/Team Work. All jobs in the early years sector require the ability to work in groups and teams.
• Independent Learning / Study Skills. You will already have some of these skills, although your transition to higher education is supported by your personal support tutor and student support services.
• Problem Solving. The new childcare agenda requires childcare workers to take a more innovative and creative approach to how they work.
• Occupation Specific Skills. Working with children and families can be a difficult and demanding job. It requires tenacity, determination and creativity.
Each Module is assessed by assignments. There are no examinations. Participants will be supported in the assessment process by college tutors and study skills support is provided.
There is an opportunity to progress to BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies, which is delivered at Somerset College or progress onto the BSc (Hons) programme in Health and Social Care Management
Entry onto the Foundation Degree is possible for students with a level 3 qualification. This will typically include A levels, a CACHE or BTEC National Diploma (min 180 points including 100 points at A2 Level), Access and NVQ level 3. Other qualifications will also be considered. It is preferred for candidates to have GCSE A*-C in English Language and Mathematics, although it is possible for students to complete these GCSEs alongside the programme. Mature students without formal qualifications may be considered. For the BA (Hons) third year, students will need to have successfully completed a foundation degree or an HND in a related subject.
External applicants will be interviewed to ensure they are aware of the demands of the course and that it is appropriate for their training needs and future career.
This course may involve regular access to children and/or vulnerable adults (also known as regulated activity).
All students applying for this course will be legally required to register with the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS) which is administered by the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA). The ISA has been established as a single agency to monitor all individuals who want to work or volunteer with vulnerable people. From the 6th of April 2011the fee for an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check will be £44. The College will send further instructions on applying for your CRB as part of the admissions process.
Full Time Fees: To be confirmed per year (for 2012-13 start)
Part Time Fees (assumes 3 yrs part-time study to complete): To be confirmed per year (for 2012-13 start)
Fees for 2013/14 will be confirmed in the 2013 summer term
Tel: 01823 366 331; Email: enquiries@somerset.ac.uk