Program Overview

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Early Childhood Education and Care HTQ

Course Overview

This course aims to equip you with the early education and care practice skills, knowledge, and understanding necessary to achieve high performance in the global early education and care environment.

Why You Should Study This Course

• Weave research and theory with day-to-day experience of working as an early year’s practitioner.
• Improve your reflective practice and leadership skills.
• Develop a culture of inclusion and excellence in early years settings.

Accreditation and Professional Recognition

The course is being delivered under the Intellectual Property License of Pearson Education Limited.

This course is approved by the Institute of Apprenticeships and Technical Education as meeting the standards of Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ).

What You'll Study

Year One

• Using Research to Promote Inclusive Early Childhood Environments - 30 credits
• Professional Development and Protecting Children in Early Childhood Environments - 30 credits
• Promoting and Supporting Children’s Development - 30 credits
• Play, Learning and Promoting Health Living - 30 credits
• Year 1 Placement Module (0 credits) compulsory Placement

Year Two

• Investigating Childhood: Action Research for Early Childhood Practitioners - 30 credits
• Managing and Leading People in Early Education and Care - 30 credits
• Managing and Improving Quality in Early Childhood Education and Care Environments - 30 credits
• Innovative Approaches to Children’s Play and Learning in Practice - 30 credits
• Year 2 Placement Module (0 credits) compulsory Placement

How You'll Learn

We understand that everyone learns differently, so this course will consist of structured teaching sessions which can include:

• on-campus classroom instruction
• practical sessions and peer interaction
• online learning
• placements
• self-directed learning.

Teaching Hours

Teaching hours vary depending on year of study and module selection. During your first year, you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may be reduced.

Placement Hours

The placement hours are in addition to the teaching hours above.

Within your first year of study (HNC) you will be expected to complete a minimum of 375 hours of placement to be carried out alongside your study commitments.

Within your second year of study (HND) you will be expected to complete a minimum of 200 hours of placement to be carried out alongside your study commitments.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods may include:

• essays
• group work
• presentations
• reflective exercises
• practical reflective portfolio
• individual assignments.

Entry Requirements

Typical entry requirements:

• UK: 80 UCAS tariff points. GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
• International: 80 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

Fees and Funding

24/25 tuition fees.

• UK: TBC per year
• International: TBC per year

Facilities

Our purpose-built campus building is arranged around an open central atrium and includes:

• indoor social spaces, including a café
• a library that includes loan laptops and a silent study area
• open-access computers
• student support and careers advice teams.

Careers and Opportunities

On successful completion of this course, you will have a solid grounding in early education and care practice.

You should develop a sound understanding of the principles in your field of study and learn how to apply these principles more widely.

Completion of this HND course could open up early education and care practice career pathways in:

• education
• leadership and management
• social and community care practice.

This qualification is confirmed by the Department for Education as a full and relevant Early Years Educator qualification and gives access to a range of employment opportunities in the sector.

You could find yourself working as a:

• advanced practitioner in nursery and preschool settings
• classroom assistant
• manager or deputy manager in nursery and preschool settings
• nursery owner
• childminder
• social and community care support worker.

With additional training, you could find specialist roles in local authorities and community based organisations such as:

• Special Education Needs Co-Ordinator (SENCO)
• Safeguarding Lead
• Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND).

Further Study

Successful Completion of this course enables progression routes to the final stage of a degree in:

• BA (Hons) Primary Education and Teaching Studies
• BA (Hons) Public Health and Community Studies