BA (Hons) Early Years Professional Practice and Leadership

Summary 2012/13

• Develop the knowledge and understanding necessary to work as an effective leader of practice in an early years setting;
• Meet and exceed the requirements of the Common Core of Skills and Knowledge for the Children’s Workforce and the EYPS standards;
• Gain invaluable practical experience working with young children.

This degree combines a solid academic grounding with practical experience to equip you with the knowledge and understanding necessary to work as an effective leader of practice in an early years setting. You will develop as an independent learner capable of critically evaluating your learning and setting appropriate targets for your future development.

You will follow four key strands throughout the three years of the degree developing a greater understanding and enhancing your theoretical and practical knowledge and skills. A series of placements in relevant settings are key features of this degree.

2012 Entry Requirements

240 UCAS tariff points overall, to include 80 points (grade C) in any subject, plus GCSE Mathematics and English Language at grade C or equivalent.

Summary 2013/14

• Develop the knowledge and understanding necessary to work as an effective leader of practice in an early years setting;
• Meet and exceed the requirements of the Common Core of Skills and Knowledge for the Children’s Workforce and the EYPS standards;
• Gain invaluable practical experience working with young children.

This degree combines a solid academic grounding with practical experience to equip you with the knowledge and understanding necessary to work as an effective leader of practice in an early years setting. You will develop as an independent learner capable of critically evaluating your learning and setting appropriate targets for your future development.

You will follow four key strands throughout the three years of the degree developing a greater understanding and enhancing your theoretical and practical knowledge and skills. A series of placements in relevant settings are key features of this degree.

2013 Entry Requirements

280 UCAS tariff points overall, to include 80 points (grade C) in any subject, plus GCSE Mathematics and English Language at grade C or equivalent.

Details

Who is this course for?

If you are interested in a career working with children from birth to five and want to lead practice in a setting, then this degree would provide you with the knowledge, skills and invaluable practical experience you require. This course will also provide you with further opportunities to develop as a graduate early years professional.

How we will support you

You will be given all the help and support you need to successfully complete the course. A personal tutor will be on hand to offer guidance on anything from academic writing and assignment planning to other, non-academic issues. Telephone, online and email support will also be available.

What will I study?

The programme is designed around four key strands which support your development as a leader of early years practice:

The Theoretical Knowledge and Understanding strand focuses on the theories of teaching and learning, child development and learning needs. You will gain a greater understanding of holistic child development in social and cultural contexts and you will be taught best practice techniques and principles, and learn how to plan and manage different roles and responsibilities in a modern, professional workplace.

You will also study Curriculum, with an emphasis on working in a multi-agency environment, inclusion and support networks, identifying vulnerability and safeguarding children and young people. This strand has a clear focus on integrated provision and elements of health, education and social care.

In the Personal and Professional Development strand of the programme you will enhance your academic and transferable skills, progressing to complete an independent research project at the end of the programme. You will be encouraged and supported in developing personal study targets from the point of application onwards, encouraging you to become a 'lifelong learner'. The key objective will be to improve your capacity to understand what, and how, you are learning, and to review, plan and take responsibility for your own learning.

The Provision-Based Training strand is designed to draw upon the breadth and diversity of early years provision including carefully identified exemplar visits to settings for children from birth to five. The sequence and timing of placements and curriculum modules throughout the programme is designed in a progressive and cohesive manner to support your personal and professional development. This will provide an opportunity to apply the methods and techniques that you have learned, to review, consolidate, extend and apply your knowledge and understanding, and to carry out a range of projects.

How will I study?

The programme uses a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, presentations, collaborative group work, individual directed tasks and placement experience.

Supported learning using the internet and online resources is a major feature of the programme. No prior IT experience is necessary, as full support will be provided.

Placement

This progressive provision-based training will provide you with an extensive, coherent and progressive programme of experience enabling you to demonstrate your knowledge, skills and understanding of Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and EYPS Standards and the ability to contribute to effective practice.

You will be placed within a range of high quality EYFS settings: local authority, private, voluntary and independent sector, covering the whole age range from birth to five. Attendance will either be for two consecutive days per week or on a 'block' basis and you must complete a required number of days on placement each year. The Initial Placement will provide an opportunity to observe and engage in practice.

During the Developmental Placement you will participate with colleagues in identifying aspects of change and its implementation in practice. Finally, the Synoptic Placement allows you to work on your own initiative to lead and support others in change.

Who will be teaching me?

You will be taught by a team of lecturers and associate tutors with extensive expertise and experience and a passion for their subject. All of the team are involved in current research and have actively contributed to projects including the development of the Early Years Foundation Stage and National Professional Qualification in Integrated Centre Leadership (NPQICL). Each member of the team brings a particular expertise and all are highly respected practitioners.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed by coursework, essays, portfolios and presentations. You will also be assessed on each placement in a school or setting. Assessments are carefully planned and you will be given clear criteria and useful feedback.

What are my career prospects?

Early Years is a rapidly growing sector and you will receive excellent support throughout the programme to help you gain a first post as an early years practitioner. You will also have the opportunity to apply to progress to Early Years Practitioner Status (EYPS), however there is no guarantee that you will be accepted.

Further study at Edge Hill University

There are opportunities for you to progress to Early Years Professional Status or complete an MA in Early Years Education or MA Early Years Leadership and Management. Edge Hill University offers a wide range of Professional Development opportunities for Early Years practitioners.

Related Programmes

• FdA Early Years Practice (Full Time)
• FdA Early Years Leadership, Education and Practice (Part Time)
• BA (Hons) Early Years Education with QTS

A Great Study Environment

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment. Everything you could want is on one site with 25 acres of sport and leisure facilities, more than 1,400 rooms in halls of residence and fantastic modern spaces in which you can study and socialise.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

How do I apply?

Apply online through UCAS at www.ucas.ac.uk.

Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/apply for more information on the application process and our Admissions criteria.

Fees and Finance

For academic year 2012/13, Edge Hill University will charge £9,000 for full-time BA, BSc and LLB degrees. Eligible students will not have to pay upfront for their tuition. The cost of tuition will be paid by a loan which you will only start to repay once you have finished the course and are earning over £21,000.

Eligible full-time students can also apply for a maintenance grant, subject to household income, and a non-means-tested loan to help with living costs.

Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships for prospective full-time students. These include £2,000 Entrance Scholarships rewarding determination, commitment and achievement in creative arts, performing arts, sport and volunteering. Eligible entrants with outstanding grades are recognised through the £1,000 High Achievers Scholarship.

The University will also be offering awards, worth £3,000 in cash benefits and fee/accommodation waivers for academic year 2012/13, to eligible prospective full-time students through the National Scholarship Programme.

For more information on scholarships, including eligibility criteria for each award, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.

To find out more about fees, grants and loans for academic year 2012/13, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradfees2012.

Please note, the above information is for UK and eligible EU students only. International students should check the fees and finance information at www.edgehill.ac.uk/internationalfees2012.

Not got the entry requirements?

If you do not have the relevant GCSEs required, Edge Hill University offers GCSE equivalency tests in English, Mathematics and Science.

If you would like pre-entry advice and guidance about your qualifications, please complete the advice and guidance online enquiry form.

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to receive a copy of our prospectus or be kept updated about forthcoming events, contact the Course Information, Advice and Guidance Team by emailing study@edgehill.ac.uk or calling 01695 657000.

If you want to attend one of our open events held throughout the year, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays to book your place.

You will also find Edge Hill University staff at many national careers fairs and UCAS events.

Still want more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask about this course, please contact:

• Ian Curie, Programme Leader
• Tel: 01695 657673
• Email: curriei@edgehill.ac.uk

Or

• Michael Anderson, Programme Administrator
• Tel: 01695 650811
• Email: michael.anderson@edgehill.ac.uk

Overseas students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk for further information.

Modules

You will experience an integrated programme comprising four strands:

• Theoretical Knowledge and Understanding
• Curriculum
• Provision based Training
• Personal and Professional Development

Year 1

• Personal and Professional Development
• EYFS: A Unique Child
• EYFS: Positive Relationships
• EYFS: Enabling Environments
• Learning and Development and Welfare Requirements
• Initial Placement

Year 2

• Personal and Professional Development
• Starting from the Child
• Quality Services for Children, Families and Communities
• Researching Early Years Practice and Leadership
• Team Around the Child and Family
• Developmental Placement

Year 3

• Personal and Professional Development
• Contexts of Leadership
• Leading and Managing Change
• Leading in the Early Years: Developing an International Perspective
• Research Project
• Synoptic Placement