Foundation Degree (FD) Early Childhood Education and Development*
Curriculum Area
Start Date
Study Mode
Duration
Level
Fee
Entry Requirements
Validating partner
This course is aimed at practitioners who hold a relevant Level 3 qualification and have a minimum of two years vocational experience. It is aimed at those who are wanting to progress into a more supervisory role. Tutors on the Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Education and Development will work with you to ensure that you are able to develop the skills and competencies you need to progress in your chosen career. This is a specialist programme aimed at those working or seeking to work in roles associated with children aged 0 – 11 years in educational care settings and primary schools.
A satisfactory DBS and two years of relevant childcare experience is also required for entry on this course.
Attendance is 2 years full-time, 1 day per week.
UCAS Code: 49TB
UCAS Institution Code: Y70
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*Subject to revalidation
Our Open University-validated courses are subject to the University’s regular re-validation process, which takes place every five years. This ensures our programmes remain current and continue to reflect the latest employer and industry needs. As part of this process, modules may be updated and, in some cases, course titles may change. While this course is shown as ‘subject to re-validation’, the programmes listed have been successfully delivered for many years and it is intended to continue for 2027 and beyond. We will keep applicants informed of any changes arising from the revalidation process, and the information published on our website will always reflect the latest information available.
Modules
| Level 4 | Level 5 |
|---|---|
| Professional and Academic Competence | Children in Society |
| Legal and Professional Aspects | Safeguarding Children and Families |
| Promoting Inclusion and Diverse Practice | Social Policy and Childhood Education |
| Early Childhood Development | Contemporary Perspectives on Play |
32 UCAS Tariff points - Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject or A Levels. GCSE grade 4 or equivalent in Maths and English Language.
Applicants with significant relevant prior learning and experience will be considered. Applicants must attend an interview.
This course has a variety of assessments, including presentations, written essay, reports, seminar papers and portfolios. These assessments will be linked to your setting.
Students will learn the following skills during their courses; ability to explore, discuss and analyse practice regarding theory, critically apply current theory, communication skills, recognise good practice, practical work-related learning activities, collaborative group work, organisational and time management skills and problem solving.
The teaching, learning and assessment methods are designed to enable progress through the programme levels. Group and individual tasks, lectures and workshops will develop your understanding of academic writing and reflective practice at Level 4 and 5 whilst developing your knowledge of learning and development with children aged 0 – 11 years. This course will be taught face-to-face.
No additional costs are expected for this course, although students should have access to an internet enabled laptop or PC.
Successful completion of the FD Early Childhood Education and Development will enable you to enrol on the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education and Leadership Practice) to convert your qualification into a full honours degree.
You could gain employment in a more supervisory role within your organisation or elsewhere in a number of roles including:
• EYFS Practitioner
• Play Therapy Assistant
• Teaching Assistant
• Family Support Worker
• Play Worker
• Nursery Assistant
The FD Children’s Development & Learning course fits perfectly around my work schedule, going into College one afternoon/evening a week and being local to the area is an added bonus for me. I greatly appreciate our 1-1 tutorials to discuss our progress moving forwards, setting goals, and emerging knowledgeable practitioners. Our tutors this year have been very supportive and engaging and we have developed a lot, especially in our academic writing, research projects and presentation and seminar skills.
Course leaders and tutors:
Lyn Johnston
Award Leader & Lecturer
Qualifications:
BA (Hons) Leading Children's Workforce
MA Education
PGCE Post-16 Education
Lyn has extensive experience working within the Higher Education (HE) environment, teaching across a variety of FD and BA courses. her background includes significant industry experience in schools and nurseries, as well as active involvement in designing and developing HE programmes to enhance student learning and outcomes. She has a passion for teaching to help develop a good student experience.
Research Interests:
Lyn's research focuses on pedagogical approaches to education and how these influence effective teaching practices. She is particularly interested in exploring innovative strategies that support learner engagement and development within diverse educational contexts.
Publications:
https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/11958/
https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/10537/
Caroline Hewitt
Lecturer
Qualifications:
BSc (QTS) Environmental & Biological Sciences
MA Special Educational Needs & Inclusion
Research Interests:
Caroline has a passion for advancing inclusive education practices and policies. With a strong foundation in environmental and biological sciences and specialised expertise in Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Inclusion, she is committed to exploring innovative approaches that foster equity and accessibility in education. Caroline will continue to develop this by beginning to study a Doctorate in Education, with a research emphasis on:
- Government strategies for managing inclusion.
- Allocation and impact of funding for SEN provisions.
- The role and effectiveness of Additional Resource Provisions (ARPs).
- Evaluation of the ‘Full Inclusion’ model, where SEN schools and mainstream primary schools are integrated on the same site.
Kerry Charlton
Lecturer
Qualifications:
FD Supporting Early Years
BA (Hons) Professional Practice Supporting Young People, Children & Families
PGCE Post-16 Education
MSc Psychology in Education
Kerry is a tutor in Children’s Learning & Development, with a strong commitment to supporting learners as they connect theory to real‑world practice.
Children’s health and wellbeing is another key focus of her work. She actively explores the ways in which factors such as emotional literacy, resilience, physical health, and the wider social context contribute to children’s holistic development. Kerry is passionate about evidence‑informed practice and enjoy examining current research to understand how nurturing relationships, wellbeing‑oriented approaches, and supportive interventions can promote positive lifelong trajectories. Through her teaching, she aims to empower learners to think critically, draw on research with confidence, and develop thoughtful, child‑centred approaches to their professional roles.
Research Interests:
Kerry's research centres on psychology in education, particularly how cognitive, behavioural, and emotional processes shape children’s learning experiences. She is especially interested in how early attachment, motivation, self‑regulation, and executive functioning influence engagement and developmental outcomes, and how educators can use psychological insights to create responsive, inclusive, and enriching learning environments.
Other similar courses
Early Years and Education department
BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education & Leadership Practice*
University Centre
Courses for Adults
Curriculum Area
Early Years and Education
Study Mode
Full-time
Start Date
September 2027
Duration
1 Year
Level
Level 6
