BA (Hons) Special Educational Needs, Disability & Inclusion and Early Childhood Studies with Foundation Year

Program Overview

Bishop Grosseteste University's BA (Hons) Special Educational Needs, Disability & Inclusion and Early Childhood Studies with Foundation Year prepares graduates to support young children and their families in various educational settings. The program emphasizes multiagency working, critical analysis of special needs, and the development of advocacy skills. Graduates are equipped for careers in early help, early years, specialized and mainstream education, and charity roles, among others.

Program Outline

The next expected start date is September 2025. You can register your interest in the meantime.

Outline:

Years 1-3:

These years delve deeper into the specific aspects of Special Educational Needs, Disability & Inclusion (SENDI) and Early Childhood Studies (ECS). Students will explore topics such as:

• Educational and social models of disability
• The role of legislation and policy in shaping provision for children with special needs
• Historical and contemporary perspectives on early childhood education
• Theories of child development and learning
• Inclusive practices in educational settings
• Understanding and responding to diverse needs
• The importance of play in early childhood development
• Research methods in the field of SENDI and ECS
• Leadership and management in early years settings

The program also includes:

• Opportunities to participate in placements and research projects
• Access to guest speakers and field trips
• Support from experienced and dedicated faculty
• Foundation Year Modules:
• Self as Learner - Introduces the principles of effective university learning and explores resources and techniques.
• Resourcing Learning - Focuses on searching, locating, and utilizing resources to support effective learning.
• Critical Engagement - Develops critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze sources in a thoughtful and informed manner.
• Critical Thinking - Provides a definition of critical thinking and how to apply it in different contexts.
• The Digital Learner - Emphasizes the importance of digital tools and technologies and how to utilize them effectively for learning.
• Effective Communication - Explores different types of communication, their styles, and effective techniques for various contexts.
• Reflective Learning - Covers the principles of reflective learning and its importance in developing skills for future study and professional work.
• Academic Writing - Guides students in developing their academic writing skills, including structuring and referencing a research paper.
• Year 1 & 2 Modules:
• From Excluded to Included: A Century of Change - Introduces the field of SENDI and explores different models of disability in educational and social contexts.
• The Whole Child: Holistic Approaches to Meeting Needs - Focuses on holistic approaches in education and examines various theories related to child development.
• Principles of Child Development 2: How Children Learn and Enabling Environments - Explores theories of child development and how they can be implemented in practice to create enabling learning environments.
• Policy, Provision and Practice - Explores the historical and current policies and practices that shape early years education.
• Principles of Education and Training in Early Years - Provides a foundation in early years education and training principles.
• Meeting Different Needs - Builds upon knowledge obtained in Year 1 and explores how to meet individual needs in diverse settings.
• Interpreting the World: Research and Practice - Introduces research methods used in the context of SENDI and develops skills in data collection and analysis.
• Understanding Childhood - Explores the concept of "childhood" from philosophical, sociological, and psychological perspectives.
• Safeguarding children - Covers safeguarding policies and procedures, child protection, and identifying different forms of abuse.
• Promoting Positive Behaviour - Examines reasons behind challenging behavior in the early years and explores approaches to promote positive behavior.
• The Value of Play - Discusses the value of play for young children and explores various approaches to promoting play in early years settings.
• Rhetoric or Reality?
• Critically examines policies related to children's learning needs and investigates real-world experiences and challenges.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Formative assessments such as short essays, presentations, annotated bibliographies, and digital projects to provide feedback and track progress.
• Summative assessments such as essays, timed assessments, and research dissertations to evaluate knowledge and understanding.
• Self-evaluation and peer review to promote personal reflection and critical thinking.

The program aims to assess various skills and knowledge, including:

• Understanding of key concepts and theories related to SENDI and ECS
• Ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations
• Critical thinking and analytical skills
• Research and communication skills
• Professionalism and ethical awareness

Teaching:

The program utilizes a combination of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures - Provide foundational knowledge and introduce key concepts.
• Seminars and tutorials - Facilitate discussion, critical analysis, and collaborative learning.
• Workshops and practical sessions - Offer hands-on experience and apply theory to practice.
• Placements - Provide opportunities to work in real-world settings and gain practical experience.

Careers:

This program prepares graduates for a variety of careers in the fields of SENDI and ECS, including:

• Special educational needs teacher
• Early years practitioner
• Early intervention worker
• Charity worker
• SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator)
• Researcher
• Policy advisor
• Manager in an early years setting

The program also equips graduates with valuable transferable skills, such as:

• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Teamwork and collaboration skills
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Research and analytical skills
• Leadership and management skills
• Professionalism and ethical awareness

Other:

• Students have opportunities to participate in guest speaker events and field trips.