Foundation Degree Early Years
Part-time
Location • City Campus
Subject area • Education studies
Related subjects • Childhood studies • Teacher education
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View profiles of students on this course
Visit the Department of Education, Childhood and Inclusion website to view profiles of the staff who teach in this subject area.
The Government aims to improve outcomes for children, families and communities by improving the Children and Young People’s Workforce. We developed these courses in response to these aims.
National organisations including the Department for Education are encouraging development of the workforce through to foundation degree level and on to honours degree level.
This foundation degree is ideal if you are a childminder, early years practitioner, manager and advisor working in the early years sector, focusing on services for children aged 0–5 years. This course is also beneficial if you are an outreach/involvement or portage worker.
You need to be employed in an early years setting during the course as emphasis is placed on work-based learning.
The main aims of the degree are to
• reflect the DfE aim to develop a common set of skills and knowledge across the children and young people’s workforce
• support transitions of staff across services and professional groupings
Related courses
- Early Years Teacher Programme (Full-time, Part-time)
- BA (Honours) Education and Learning Support (Part-time)
- Short course Higher Level Teaching Assistant (Part-time)
- BA (Honours) Early Years (top up) (Part-time)
Key Information Set 
Part-time – typically three years, starting in January
You attend one Tuesday every fortnight from 9.30 till 16.00 (15 days each year)
Complete the application form available at www.shu.ac.uk/study/form
2013/14 academic year
Typically £9,960 for the course
The course fee may be subject to annual inflationary increase. For further information on fees and funding see www.shu.ac.uk/funding
• presentations • essays • reports • portfolios • posters • blogs • Blackboard conferencing • annotated bibliographies • creation of artefacts, for example a picture card communication system for children with autism
This course focuses on work-based learning, so your development is directly related to your daily role
Kerry Williams
Final year
'I work at Sheffield Hallam's nursery as a team leader. Having not studied since gaining NVQ level three in Childcare Education about 15 years ago, I was keen to learn about the latest developments.
'I was diagnosed with having dyslexia as I started the course. The dyslexia support workers at the University are fantastic, they talk through any problems and give me strategies of how to cope. They also helped me to get funding to buy equipment including a laptop and dictaphone.
'I didn't go to school and get any qualifications so absolutely everything here has been new to me. So I would say to others not to let something like thinking you're not clever enough put you off, because there is the help here you need.'
Joy Worthington
FdA Early Years, second year
Enrolling on the Foundation degree in Early Years was a scary prospect, completing the first year was one of my greatest achievements - the depth of knowledge I can now implement into my practice ensures that whatever activities I plan for the children will help them to become confident and capable adults.
I highly recommend the course to all that are thinking of starting it, my self-belief has improved immensely and I now have the confidence to discuss and promote my setting and what we do.
Ryan Morris
Final year
The Foundation degree has given me the opportunity to look in depth at the different local and government led policies that affect the families I work with and influences my role as a community nursery nurse. I have had the opportunity to develop different strategies to use with families.
Although the course is challenging, it has developed and built my confidence in my role. I have found the opportunity to reflect on each module positive for my work practice.
The Foundation degree has developed my confidence in working with children, and allowed me to share relevant skills and knowledge through good practice while celebrating the inclusion of all children and allowing them to have a voice.
Staff profiles
Visit the Department of Education, Childhood and Inclusion website to view profiles of the staff who teach in this subject area.
