You'll have the opportunity to develop your subject expertise by exploring contemporary issues in the care, education, health and welfare of young children and their families.
In the context of your own professional practice, you'll evaluate current debates, government strategies and initiatives.
Applying theory to practice, you'll undertake a range of work-based activities, including workplace analysis of the practices and models of management, teamwork, children's learning and experience.
You'll develop an understanding of the key issues related to ethical practice, as well as learn how to reflect critically on workplace practices in a professional fashion.
You'll receive extensive support throughout your studies, starting with a specially designed induction programme. We also encourage you to identify a workplace mentor who could support you with your studies and research.
This Professional Practice degree is studied alongside your existing work commitments. The course is full-time for one year, during which time you'll attend University for one full day per week (Thursdays 9.00am - 6.00pm) in addition to a minimum of two days working in a relevant job role.
Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner
Our BA (Hons) Professional Practice: Early Childhood Studies degree offers the opportunity to be recognised as an Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner through completion of Graduate Practitioner Competencies at Level 6.
Developed by the national Early Childhood Studies Degrees Network (ECSDN) and endorsed by the Department for Education, the Graduate Practitioner Competencies aim to strengthen the early childhood workforce and professional practice aspect of a degree.
The assessed practitioner competencies are embedded into the degree programme, leading to a Level 6 award that evidences a holistic understanding of Early Childhood development and the ability to apply, critically evaluate and communicate theoretical knowledge into practice.
Achieving practitioner status can help enhance your employability in the childhood studies sector or support you to progress to postgraduate study or higher-level professional roles.
During your studies, you will work towards meeting nine competencies through assessed placement tasks, observations of practice and academic assignments. By the end of the competencies you must also hold Level 2 English and maths qualifications grade C or 4 or higher (or equivalent). Throughout your degree, clear goals will be agreed and monitored to achieve positive outcomes.
Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies:
- Advocating for young children’s rights and participation
- Promoting holistic development
- Working directly with young children, families and colleagues to promote health, wellbeing, safety and nurturing care
- Observing, listening and planning for young children to support their wellbeing, early learning, progression and transitions
- Safeguarding and child protection
- Inclusive practice
- Partnerships with parents and caregivers
- Collaborating with others
- Professional development
Successful completion of the competencies alongside your degree will result in an award of BA (Hons) Professional Practice: Early Childhood Studies degree with an Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Certificate (ECGPC).