The Foundation Degree in Child Care and Education is the study of the challenging concepts of equal opportunity, inclusion, children’s rights, child protection, managing children’s learning, behaviour and health maintenance needs. Practical application of good practice methods is analysed in the light of theoretical understanding.

This collaborative programme is delivered at Leyton Sixth Form College.

Foundation Degree in Child Care and Education at Leyton Sixth Form College

The Foundation Degree Child Care and Education at Leyton Sixth Form College is designed to give a deeper understanding of the current theoretical concepts in the field, including:

• Critical awareness of the theoretical perspectives of models of Child Care and Education practice.
• Developing skills of articulation of the language used in relation to concepts of equal opportunity, rights, disability and child protection.
• Analysing the concept of ‘professional expertise’ and role of the multi-disciplinary team in the provision of Child Care and Education Services
• Investigating the implications of Child Care and Education strategies for Early Years setting management; curriculum; assessment and inspection.

Students who plan to continue with their professional development will find that the skills they develop on the Foundation Degree will be in demand in the workplace and provide direct entry to level three of the BA (Hons.) in Early Childhood Studies, or BA (Hons.) in Education and Community Development at UEL.

This is a modular programme. Students will normally complete the Foundation Degree in Child Care and Education within two academic years, taking six modules per year, with 120 credits at HE level 1 and 120 credits at HE level 2.

All modules are compulsory, unless prior credit is obtained. The progressive programme is designed to enable participants to develop their confidence and skills for studying at HE level in a supportive environment.

This includes lectures, seminars/practical based workshops, work based projects in an early years setting and tutorials.

Modules are assessed using a variety of methods that have been chosen as the most appropriate to demonstrate the learning outcomes for each module. Some modules are assessed by means of coursework only, and some by a combination of both examination (seen or unseen) and coursework. Coursework can take such forms as essays, reports, presentations, learning journals, portfolios, seminar participation and book reviews.

Students must be working two days a week throughout the duration of the programme within an Early Years setting. Leyton Sixth Form College will provide support in securing work experience within an appropriate setting for those students who are not working (paid or unpaid) in the sector, but have at least a years experience as a senior team member.

Project work

At level two, students are expected to carry out a work based research project on a topic relevant to the field of Child Care and Education. Students are supported through tutorial and seminar sessions throughout the year, thus developing research knowledge and skills which are valuable in both understanding and evaluating published research and empowering students to become researchers themselves.

In addition, students are involved in a number of collaborative projects throughout the Foundation Degree that benefit them by developing project management, time management and interpersonal team work skills.

This programme will help students develop both a reflective approach to Child Care and Education at Foundation Degree level in the form critical thinking skills, which are transferable to the workplace. Students will benefit from Leyton Sixth Form College’s extensive experience in facilitating learning in the workplace, liaising with local government childcare, educational psychology services and government initiatives.

If you are interested in

• Understanding the issues concerning the delivery of Child Care and Educational services
• Investigating theoretical perspectives in Child Care and Education
• Exploring education practices
• Personal development

If you enjoy

• A personal intellectual challenge
• Working in groups
• Using theory to inform practical application in the workplace
• Carrying out work based projects

If you want

• A challenging programme which includes study in theoretical and practical issues in the field of Child Care and Education
• A programme with support through face-to-face tuition and guidance in becoming an independent learner.
• A programme of study that will equip you to be knowledgeable and skilful in the current expanding early years provision
• To be valued within and able to contribute to the effectiveness of early years teams

Successful completion of the Foundation Degree in Child Care and Education programme will enable you to apply for appropriate employment at advanced child care practitioner level in early years settings. Other career paths include working within Local Authority Support Services, in Early Years settings and voluntary sector organisations, such as charities. Students who successfully complete the Foundation Degree may also choose to continue their studies through direct entry to level three BA honours degree. They may apply for the UEL Primary PGCE programme to qualify as a primary teacher.

Each student is allocated a personal mentor/tutor at Leyton Sixth Form College who will work with you to plan your learning and ensure that you are enhancing your independent learning strategies. Your personal mentor will also help you with any work experience or academic issues you may be having. Your mentor will ensure appropriate work experience; induct you in the practice development documents and liaise with your supervisor in the workplace.

A supervisor will be allocated to you in the work experience setting and will support your learning, development, and assessment through the practice development documents on a day-to-day basis. Their role is to liaise with your mentor/tutor, so that your progress can be monitored.

Module Tutors will support you with learning and assessment requirements specific to the modules you are studying, provide you with individual module guides which detail the requirements for attendance, coursework preparation and other academic conventions.

Academic Writing and Study Skills modules are a core part of the programme. Support at Leyton Sixth Form College is also provided for students who have additional needs such as English language or dyslexia. Students also have access to support through the University of East London services for English language or dyslexia support; counselling services; disability support service and UEL Students’ Union.

A student representative will be elected onto The Foundation Degree in Child Care and Education’s Advisory Panel at Leyton Sixth Form College. They represent the student views on the degree programme committee, which reports to the Field of Education and Community Committee at UEL.

The Foundation Degree aims to address the current workforce agenda in the Early Years sector. Leyton College has developed solid links with local early years employers over a period of 10 years which provide ample opportunities for workplace experience in a variety of settings. Training/support is given to placement mentors/supervisors. Leyton Sixth Form College has extensive experience of working with local childcare providers, the local authority and other relevant organisations.