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Course summary
Have you ever thought about working towards a degree, but decided not to as you are already in employment or volunteering and don’t want to give that up? Do you prefer to learn through real life, hands-on experience? Would you like to gain your degree through a practical, innovative route?
Our FdA Early Childhood Education in Practice course is designed for those working or volunteering with children 0-8 years in the voluntary, private and independent early years sector or in a school. This course is also for nannies, child minders and those working in Children’s Centres with families of young children. Not working or volunteering? Our team can help to find you a volunteer placement while you study.
About this course
This work-based Foundation Degree programme is a combination of practice-based learning and centre-based teaching sessions that take place once a week, allowing you to continue working or volunteering throughout the course. Throughout the two-year programme, you will integrate your previous experience of working with children into your studies.
In your first year, you will study learning principles as an introduction to higher education and analyse the complex link between practice and meeting the needs of children. You will investigate your role in the education sector to support your professional development. As you go through the second year, you will study concepts of inclusion, equality, and diversity, as well as studying modules on learning and assessment. You will be able to collaborate with students from other related courses who work in a variety of contexts such as early childhood and youth services to increase your employability by broadening your perspectives on working with children and young people.
Throughout all stages of the programme, the Foundation Degree Early Childhood Education in Practice combines the full and relevant criteria of the Department for Education as well as the Graduate Competency (GC) requirements of the Early Childhood Studies Degree Network. This means that after successfully completing the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education in Practice (with Graduate Practitioner), Early Childhood Education students have the opportunity to obtain this sector-recognised accreditation. Alternatively, students may consider the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education in Practice that is not considered full and relevant.
Scheduled teaching hours
Foundation Degree programmes consist of 240 HE credits, with each credit equating to 10 hours of learning.
Depending upon the mode of delivery (i.e. face-to-face/in-person, online or a blend of these) and whether your course is full-time or part-time, the delivery of the scheduled hours for the programme will involve taught input, independent study, and where applicable, work-based or placement hours.
At LETTA, a week would generally look like one day of centre-based training per week (12:00-18:00) and two days of school-based placement (employment or volunteer basis).
Entry requirements
Typically, a minimum of one year’s experience in practice with a minimum of two days a week (minimum of 12 hours per week accumulating to 360 hours per year of study in a relevant role, either as an employee or a volunteer). In some cases, it might be appropriate to recruit students directly from a Level 3 apprenticeship or another equivalent course in which it can be demonstrated that there is a significant element of professional practice. In such a case, this decision will be based on the suitability of the applicant through the demonstration of relevant prior learning and experience including written support from the head teacher/workplace manager in which the applicant works or volunteers.
We encourage applications from mature students and recognise that their experience or qualifications may differ from those mentioned previously.
Assessment
A variety of assessment methods are used including presentations, discussions, written assignments such as essays and reports and portfolios of work focused learning. All assessments allow you to reflect on your practice and theory as you evidence your learning. There are no examinations.
How you're taught
This work-focused degree is a combination of practice-based learning and centre-based sessions which run once a week, so that you are able to continue in employment or a volunteer placement throughout the course. The degree is designed to improve and develop your personal and professional communication skills, allows you to professionalise your approach and further your personal growth.
You will work with a range of experienced academic staff and be supported through peer-led groups, directed tasks and interactive web-based resources.
Careers and further study
Graduate opportunities have enabled our students to attain managerial positions within their sector, to lead practice with their setting. Many go on to further study to become teachers through our QTS with PGCE routes, or gain a professional status. Others take on professional roles in areas such as special educational needs, mentoring, subject support, school, family and welfare liaison roles in the wider educational community and with local authorities working with the full range of age groups and sectors.
After successfully completing your Foundation Degree, you will have the opportunity to apply to undertake a BA(Hons) Top-up Programme through an additional year of study. Once you have completed a BA(Hons) Top-up, you may wish to apply for LETTA’s Initial Teacher Training programme, which include QTS with PGCE.
Partnership with Lincoln Bishop University
LETTA works in close partnership with Lincoln Bishop University to deliver this course. The course is delivered at LETTA’s training site in East London. Students will have the opportunity to engage with Lincoln Bishop University, but all classes will be attended locally.
LETTA is very proud to work in partnership with Lincoln Bishop University. Our organisations share the same values and drive to provide exceptional educational opportunities that are innovative, accessible and support an agenda to widen participation and access to higher education.
Widely recognised for its consistently high employability and student satisfaction rates, Lincoln Bishop University delivers transformative education, professional experiences and partnerships that build the knowledge, ability and confidence needed to make a meaningful difference.
How to apply for this course
Step 1
Familiarise yourself with the course requirements and decide which route is right for you.
Step 2
Register your Expression of Interest (EOI) with LETTA. This will ensure that we have your details on record. We’ll make contact with you and can offer support with your application. If you can, join us for an open event too.
Step 3
Complete a UCAS application. This is your official application for a place on the Foundation Degree with LETTA.
PLEASE NOTE: We accept applications for this programme on an on-going basis, despite the publicised UCAS deadline dates. If you submit your application after the UCAS deadline, it will still be considered. If you are unsure about this process, or have any questions, we would encourage you to contact us.
You will find support to help you complete your UCAS application here.
Step 4
Once LETTA has received your application, we will contact you with feedback and next steps. If your application is successful, LETTA will invite you to an interview for a place on the course.
