FdEd Foundation Degree in Children’s Development and Learning
About the course
The FdEd in Children’s Development and Learning is a work-based programme which will provide students with the knowledge, skills and understanding to progress in their chosen career, without having to give up employment in order to study. It is validated as a Level 5 award and requires you to attend for half a day each week during term time, for two years.
There is plenty of support available to help you get the most out of your course. You will be allocated a personal tutor who will have regular one-to-one meetings with you. You’ll also nominate someone from within your own workplace, such as a manager or colleague, to become your mentor. Additionally, you’ll benefit from small learning groups and access to facilities at both BCA and the University of Reading.
In partnership with:
Entry requirements
All applicants must be 18 years or above working at least 2.5 days a week in a relevant setting within the sector.
Applicants are normally expected to have obtained:
- English Language GCSE Grade C (or 4) or Level 2 equivalent
- Maths GCSE Grade C (or 4) or Level 2 equivalent
- NQF Level 3 qualification in a work-related area
- At least two years’ experience of working directly with children within the Children’s Workforce, for example, in a registered early years setting or in a school as a teaching assistant (this may include voluntary work and/or a placement completed as part of a vocational qualification)
CDL students at the end of their first year of study with another partner college that delivers this programme, specifically Bracknell & Wokingham College, Newbury College, Basingstoke College of Technology and Langley College, may be considered for transfer to BCA.
To be considered for transfer, please email the HE registrar at BCA: registry_degrees@bca.ac.uk
More information
There is guaranteed progression to the BA in Children’s Development and Learning at the University of Reading on successful completion of the Foundation Degree. Progression to Early Years Professional Status (EYPS), Higher Level Teaching Assistant, or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is possible through further work-based study at the University of Reading.
Year 1 (Level 4) Core modules
- Theories of Development and Learning
- Professionalism in the Children’s Workforce
- The Child in Society (1)
- Working in Partnerships with Parents
- Learning Spaces
- Effective Communication
Year 2 (Level 5) Core modules:
- Action Research
- The Child in Society (2)
- Creativity and Critical Thinking
- Supporting Development and Learning for 0-11 years
Optional modules:
- International Perspectives
- Leadership in the Children’s Workforce
Loans are available through the Student Loans Company. Students will only be required to start repayments once they are earning over £21,000 per annum. Bursaries and funding may be available through local authorities and some employers offer financial support. A recommended reading list will be provided to successful applicants; purchase of key texts is advised. Is an interview required? Yes Is fee remission available? No Please note: Any candidate who does not fully meet the entry criteria (for example, who does not have maths GCSE, a vocational qualification, or the specified amount of full-time work experience but has significant part-time work placement and/or volunteering experience and is able to demonstrate their ability to produce written work to the required level) is invited to submit their application. All candidates will be invited for an interview as part of the application process.
The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years or NCFE CACHE Level 2 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care. The knowledge gained will provide valuable learning should a learner choose to progress onto an Apprenticeship in a related area.
Students attend College for one afternoon into early-evening session a week. Teaching is through lectures, seminars and workshops, and makes full use of the University of Reading virtual learning platform (Blackboard) for extending discussions and sharing resources. Trips and visits are organised throughout the course to enhance learning. A range of course work is used for assessment – essays, presentations, reports and articles. Each module also has an element of work-based assessment through guided professional discussion. The optional modules are taught using blended learning methods of teaching and assessment.
The University of Reading
