BA (Hons) Health and Wellbeing in Early Childhood with Foundation Year

Why study this course

Placements in a relevant work setting are offered at each level of study

This course is highly current in the workplace and is mapped to key national health and wellbeing agendas

If you always wanted to work with young children (0-8) but are unsure of your career pathway, then this course supports a wide range of career opportunities.

Do you want to make a difference to young children and their families’ lives? Then this is the right course for you!

Course summary

The BA (Hons) Health and Wellbeing in Early Childhood course at BGU, Lincoln supports a wide range of career opportunities if you want to work with young children.

Key facts

• Award: BA
• Duration: 4 years
• Start date: September 2025
• Award: Bishop Grosseteste University
• Institution code: B38

About this course

This highly current BA (Hons) Health and Wellbeing in Early Childhood programme is informed by the crucial significance of the formative years of 0-8 for health and wellbeing. It focusses on the early identification of barriers and risks to wellbeing (in its widest sense) and interventions through the development of early enabling environments for positive health and wellbeing.

This degree provides understanding of the crucial 0-8 developmental stage, individual needs and the broader sociocultural context of young children and their families. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (2020) landmark report, prioritises three areas to be address in the UK: reducing child inequalities; prioritising public health, prevention and early intervention; and building and strengthening local and cross sector services. In support of this agenda, this degree focusses on concepts such as multi- agency working with critical, reflective and evidence-based practice.

Personal, professional and ethical values will be explored within health and social care practice with young children and their families. The BA (Hons) Health and Wellbeing in Early Childhood programme supports those who aspire to become, for example, Early Help Workers attached to Children’s Centres, Family Health Workers; maternity healthcare support workers or midwifery assistants, child mental health support workers.

This places graduates undertaking the BA (Hons) Health and Wellbeing in Early Childhood in a strong position to address these agendas in supporting young children and their families in a variety of formal and informal educational and health roles and settings.

Entry requirements

Application for this course is via UCAS, although there is no formal requirement for UCAS points to access the course (normally GCSE English or equivalent is desirable). As part of your application you will have the opportunity to speak with a member of BGU Admissions staff to resolve any questions or queries you may have.

Different degree subjects may have specific entry requirements to allow you to progress from the Foundation Year. Whilst not a condition of entry onto the Foundation Year, you will need to have met these by the time you complete the first year of this four year course.

How you will be taught

There is no one-size-fits-all method of teaching at BGU – we shape our methods to suit each subject and each group, combining the best aspects of traditional university teaching with innovative techniques to promote student participation and interactivity.

Academic staff

• Dr Alison Riley
• Dr Mary-Louise Maynes
• Samantha Hoyes
• Dr Nicki Walsh
• Leanne Leverton

Assessment

In Health and Wellbeing with Early Childhood Studies, assessment is carried out through coursework of different types, including essays, reports, oral presentations, blogs and case studies There are no examinations.

In modules where students are assessed through coursework, the assignments are varied to provide a range of opportunities to present ideas such as portfolios, essays, reflective accounts, and artefacts for practice to support positive impact in the workplace.

Careers & Further study

BGU has a strong reputation for developing highly skilled, sought-after, employable graduates. The Health and Wellbeing in Early Childhood degree offers a firm base for students hoping to enter a variety of career pathways including, but not limited to, education-related, health, mental health or voluntary sector careers.

Possible future career paths for BA (Hons) Health, Wellbeing and Early Childhood graduates may include:

• Teaching;
• Early Years practitioners
• Maternity Support workers
• Graduate entry Nursing (Pediatric)
• Graduate entry Social Work
• Speech and Language therapy
• Graduate entry OT
• Early Help Workers attached to Children’s Centres
• Family Health Workers
• Maternity healthcare support workers or midwifery assistants
• Child mental health support workers

What Our Students Say

Discover what life is like at Bishop Grosseteste University from our students.

• 87% say staff value students views and opinions about the course
• 97% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well.
• 85% in work or doing further study 15 months after the course.

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Degree Overview:

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#Objectives:

• Equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to work effectively with young children (0-8) in a variety of settings.
• Align with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health's landmark report, focusing on reducing child inequalities, prioritizing public health, and building local and cross-sector services.
It emphasizes multi-agency working with critical, reflective, and evidence-based practice.

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Assessment:

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Formative and Summative Assessments:

• Short-form writing
• Annotated bibliographies
• Presentations
• Digital technologies
• Reflective journals
• Academic essays

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Coursework Assessments:

• Essays
• Reports
• Oral presentations
• Blogs
• Case studies

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Assessment Aims:

• Develop core academic skills
• Build confidence
• Support self-evaluation and personal reflection

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Seminars
• Practical workshops
• Coursework
• Work-based placements

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Faculty:

• Dr Alison Riley
• Dr Mary-Louise Maynes
• Samantha Hoyes
• Dr Nicki Walsh
• Leanne Leverton

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Unique Approaches:

• A balance of traditional and innovative teaching methods
• Emphasis on student participation and interactivity
• Small group seminars and workshops
• Opportunities for independent study
• Placements as an enriching learning experience

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Teaching
• Early Years practitioners
• Maternity Support workers
• Graduate entry Nursing (Pediatric)
• Graduate entry Social Work
• Speech and Language therapy
• Graduate entry OT
• Early Help Workers attached to Children's Centres
• Family Health Workers
• Maternity healthcare support workers or midwifery assistants
• Child mental health support workers

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Graduate Opportunities:

The program provides a firm base for students to enter diverse career pathways, including those related to education, health, mental health, and the voluntary sector.

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Other:

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Key Facts:

• Award: BA
• Duration: 4 years
• Awarding institution: Bishop Grosseteste University
• Institution code: B38
• Students are eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RP(C)L) and Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RP(E)L).

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Register Your Interest:

Use the provided link to register your interest in the course.

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Related Courses:

The context lists related courses, including:

• Early Childhood Studies
• Health & Wellbeing in Early Childhood
• Psychology and Early Childhood Studies
• Special Educational Needs, Disability & Inclusion and Early Childhood Studies
• Early Childhood Studies with Foundation Year
• Psychology and Early Childhood Studies with Foundation Year
• Special Educational Needs, Disability & Inclusion and Early Childhood Studies with Foundation Year
• FdA Early Childhood Education in Practice
• FdA Early Childhood Education in Practice (Grantham)
• Early Childhood Education in Practice
• Children’s Literature and Literacies

Bishop Grosseteste University: A Summary

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Overview:

Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) is a public university located in Lincoln, England. It is known for its high student satisfaction rates, ranking first in the UK for student satisfaction according to the Times Higher Education. BGU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, with a particular focus on teacher training and other education-related programs.

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Services Offered:

BGU provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

BGU boasts strong academic support, ranking first in the National Student Survey 2024 for this category.

Student Advice & Wellbeing:

The university offers dedicated support services for student well-being, including counseling and guidance.

Library:

BGU has a well-equipped library with extensive resources for students.

IT Services:

Students have access to various IT resources and support.

Accommodation:

BGU provides on-campus accommodation options for students.

Careers:

The university offers career guidance and support to help students find employment after graduation.

Alumni Network:

BGU has a strong alumni network that provides support and networking opportunities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

BGU offers a vibrant campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in various clubs and societies, engage in sports activities, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Students' Union. The university is located in the historic city of Lincoln, offering a rich cultural experience and numerous attractions.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

High Student Satisfaction:

BGU consistently ranks high in student satisfaction surveys, indicating a positive learning environment and supportive community.

Strong Academic Support:

The university provides excellent academic support services to help students succeed in their studies.

Focus on Teacher Training:

BGU is a leading provider of teacher training programs, offering various routes into teaching.

Vibrant Campus Life:

BGU offers a lively campus experience with numerous opportunities for student engagement.

Location in Lincoln:

The university is situated in a historic and charming city with plenty to offer students.

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Academic Programs:

BGU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate Courses:

BGU offers a variety of undergraduate degrees in various fields, including education, business, humanities, and social sciences.

Postgraduate Courses:

The university offers postgraduate programs, including Master's degrees and doctoral studies, with a strong focus on teacher training and education-related fields.

Apprenticeships:

BGU offers degree apprenticeships in various fields, allowing students to gain practical experience while earning a degree.

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Other: