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This new Foundation Degree is designed to provide the opportunity to gain a Level 5 qualification and to work as a practitioner with children and young people in a variety of education and care settings. This programme will enable students to develop critical understanding and skills in relevant areas of education and care, including policies and issues. Students will develop their knowledge of theories underpinning children and young people’s learning and development. This degree is suitable for a broad range of aspiring and qualified professionals including:

• Early years professionals
• Family support workers
• Youth workers
• Teaching assistants
• Health & social care practitioners
• Children’s centres employees, including extended schools
• Learning support workers in a variety of settings

Approved by

The University of Central Lancashire

Length of Course

Full-time Two years
Attendance: One day and a half per week, plus two days work placement

Part-time Three years
Attendance: One day per week, plus one day work placement

UCAS Information

Institution Code: C30
Short form: FdA
Course Code:
Campus Code: F

Entry Requirements

80 UCAS points – typically:
National Diploma/Certificate
or A level
or Level 3 qualification, preferably in a Childcare/Education-related Subject
Plus normally a minimum of four GCSE passes at Grade C

What subjects will I study?

The full-time programme will be as follows, studying 120 credits per year:

Year One Modules
* Children, Young People and Their World (20 credit module) - outlines the current framework and curriculum requirements for 0-18 settings, and develops knowledge and understanding of C & YP through learning and play
* Difference and Diversity (20 credit module) – investigates a wide range of issues in relation to equality and diversity in contemporary society
* Aspects of Learning and Development (40 credit module) – looks at all aspects of developmental psychology and the issues and contemporary concerns that may affect this
* Self and Study (40 credit module) – covers learning styles, reflective practice, and communication

Year Two Modules
* Policy and Practice for Children and Young People (20 credit module )- looks at the political, social, economic and cultural construction of childhood and how policies and legislation impact on this
* Promoting the Welfare of Children and Young People (20 credit module) – covers the policy, practice and theory relating to the legislation for safeguarding children and young people
* Frameworks, Transitions and the Child (40 credit module) – extends knowledge of frameworks underpinning learning. It will provide the skills to support children across transitional stages throughout the education system
* Managing the Professional Role in Practice (40 credit module) – develops and embeds knowledge and skills of the professional practitioner working with children 0-18 in a variety of settings. The themes are management, work-based learning and a project relating to an area of specialist practice

Students studying part-time over 3 years will study the same modules as above but will study at the rate of 80 credits per year

Work Placement
Work-based learning forms an essential part of this Foundation Degree, either paid or voluntary. Such placements or employment would include: schools, pre-school organisations, children’s centres, care settings, youth services, special schools. Full-time students are required to attend work placement two days per week. Part-time students are required to attend one day per week.

How will I learn?

A mixture of taught sessions, work placements, group activities, discussions, seminars and tutorials

How will I be assessed?

Portfolios, assignments, reports, presentations, research projects, work-based mentoring

Progression Opportunities

Employment with Senior Practitioner Status
Progression to year 3 of the BA (Hons) Education and Professional Studies or
BA(Hons) Children, Schools and Families at the University of Central Lancashire.
It may be possible to progress to nursery or primary teaching, or social work, or to BA(Hons)Citizenship and Care