FdA Playwork

Summary 2012/13

• The North West’s only Foundation Degree specifically related to Playwork;
• Structured to link with the latest Government guidelines - including Every Child Matters;
• Ideal for those looking to pursue a career in this area as well as for people working in a Playwork setting seeking career development.

The Foundation Degree in Playwork has been developed to ensure you will be prepared to meet the playwork needs of children and young people to levels expected by parents/carers in an inter-professional and rapidly changing workforce.

Please note that the location of study for some modules may be at any one of our satellite centres.

2012 Entry Requirements

Typical offer is a minimum of 40 UCAS tariff points from one A level, or equivalent Level 3 qualification, in a related subject. Exceptionally, five GCSEs at grade C or above, or equivalent, will be accepted. Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate your ability through accreditation of prior learning/experiential learning (APL/APEL).

Where appropriate, you will be required to successfully undergo an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check and complete a health questionnaire which is in the remit of Occupational Health.

Details

Who is this course for?

This Foundation Degree is for those currently working with, or seeking to work with, children in play work settings such as after school clubs and children’s centres, and a range of private and voluntary groups dedicated to the care of children and young people. It will also appeal to registered childminders or parents who wish to develop specific subject knowledge or enhance their career opportunities.

What will I gain from this programme?

In addition to entering Higher Education and experiencing university life, you will develop the knowledge and skills to equip you to competently work with children and adolescents and make a valuable contribution to their development through the use of appropriate play.

How we will support you

As well as a programme leader you will also have a named personal tutor who will support you throughout the programme. A work based learning facilitator will support your development in practice and module leaders will offer guidance for each academic module studied.

What will I study?

Year 1 includes the study of playwork values and principles alongside a module underpinning skills around safe practice. You will share some learning with students from other awards within the Faculty as the benefits of interaction between groups will enhance learning.

Year 2 focuses on the development of specific subject knowledge and the cognitive and interpersonal skills that make the programme distinctive. In addition the programme includes a dedicated module around play interventions and a work based learning module which allows you to focus on a particular aspect of playwork.

On completion you will become a graduate who is articulate both verbally and in writing, with skills of analysis, relevant subject knowledge and the ability to utilise and maximise play for children and/or young people.

How will I study?

Students will have a choice of how they access their teaching and learning. Face-to-face teaching, seminars and tutorials will be delivered on campus although these sessions can also be accessed via the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Placement

Learning in the workplace is central to this foundation degree. If your current place of employment is relevant, for example, an after school club, then you can complete the work based learning there. If you require a placement we will be able to assist in finding one for you.

Who will be teaching me?

You will be taught by academic staff with vast experience in the field of children’s health and social care. In addition, you will have a personal tutor who will support you throughout the programme, module coordinators to support you for each module, and practice placement mentors who will support your learning and development whilst you are on placement.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment will include presentations, written assignments, scenarios, clinical examinations and portfolios of evidence.

What are my career prospects?

You will have the skills to work in a variety of public and voluntary children and adolescent settings including children centres, local authority settings, children’s healthcare organisations and social services.

Professional Accreditation

Foundation Degree Forward (fdf) / Skills for Business Network: endorsed by employers as fit for purpose.

This course has been fully developed in collaboration with representatives from, Liverpool City Council, Knowsley and Liverpool Children’s Workforce Teams, Health and Social Care Play Specialists and After School Play Leaders and Managers. Additionally, the curriculum team was also made up of academic staff from across the University, representing arts, drama, education, sport and health.

Further study at Edge Hill University

• BSc (Hons) Leadership and Management in Children's Services
• BA (Hons) Playwork Interventions

Related Programmes

• FdSc Integrated Practice (Early Years and Children) & Integrated Practice (Young People)
• FdSc Working with Families and Communities
• BSc (Hons) Pre-Registration Children’s Nursing

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 1,000 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 for the full-time programme. For part-time study apply directly to Edge Hill.

See our How to Apply pages for more information on the application process and our Admissions criteria.

Fees and Finance

Full-Time Study

For academic year 2012/13, Edge Hill University will charge £6,000pa for full-time foundation degrees. Eligible full-time 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 full-time students in academic year 2012/13, visit http://www.edgehill.ac.uk/foundationfees2012.

Please note, the above information is for UK and eligible EU students only.

Part-Time Study

Tuition fees for part-time study on this foundation degree are £50 per credit for academic year 2012/13; i.e. £500 per 10 credit module, £750 per 15 credit module, £1,000 per 20 credit module and £1,500 per 30 credit module. A total of 240 credits are required to complete a foundation degree.

Eligible part-time 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 a year.

For more information on the financial support available for part-time foundation degree students in academic year 2012/13, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/foundationfees2012pt.

Please note, the above information is for UK and eligible EU students only.

Not got the entry requirements?

Candidates who wish to enter the programme, but who do not fulfil the specified entry criteria may, demonstrate their ability to study at the appropriate academic level via APL/APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experience / Learning).

Candidates will be required to demonstrate appropriate literacy and numeracy skills as part of the interview process.

If you do not have the GCSEs required for this programme, Edge Hill offers equivalency tests.

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 the programme leader about this course, please contact:

• David Stonehouse, Faculty of Health and Social Care, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP
• Tel: 01695 584315
• Email: stonehod@edgehill.ac.uk

Modules

Year 1

FDH1100 Essential Study Skills for Undergraduates (20 credits) encourages you to identify individual needs, backgrounds and experiences in relation to study skills and explore how these may be developed within your programme of study. This module will enable you to develop advanced study skills to enhance your time and organisational management and thus prepare you to be able to take advantage of further studies and new situations.

FDH1101 Communication Skills (20 credits). Effective communication skills are essential for anyone dealing with the public in order to work collaboratively as members of a team. You will be supported to develop self-awareness in communication skills, by facilitating your listening skills, and the ability to empathise. The skills of giving unconditional positive regard and how to act as an advocate for others will also be addressed.

FDH1102 Health and Well-being and Identification of the Vulnerable Child (20 credits). Giving every child the best start in life is seen as essential. This module will help you to develop the ability to recognise the vulnerable child and, when necessary, refer to the appropriate members of the multi-professional team..

FDH1103 Child Development in the Social Context (30 credits) focuses upon the development of children and young people. The aim is to foster an understanding that development includes physical, emotional, social, moral and cognitive growth and how each of these areas can affect another.

FDH1111 Playwork, Values, Principles and Skills for Safe Play (30 credits) examines the values and principles that underpin play work as well as exploring the importance of providing a safe environment in which children can play. Playwork principles and the importance of developing a set of common values will also be examined.

Year 2

FDH2077 Work-Based Learning (20 credits) allows you to negotiate with academic staff, and the workplace if appropriate, to focus on an area of study of particular interest. This may be for the enhancement of practice or for the achievement of more in-depth knowledge and skills. It involves identifying the chosen area for study, developing and negotiating a learning contract. The module will provide a rigorous framework for the approval of such study, ensuring the necessary academic level and assessment is fulfilled.

FDH2100 Legal and Ethical Perspectives (20 credits). Within the field of health and social care there are a range of professions and groups whose ability to provide safe and competent practice is determined in the context of professional, legal and ethical considerations. Indeed, these are the hallmarks of any profession, and those wishing to work in this sector, potentially across professional boundaries, need a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of such frameworks.

FDH2101 Behavioural Management (Child) (20 credits) examines children’s behaviour and it’s relationship to work based settings. You will also explore the many different ways that strategies can be utilised in managing children’s behaviour.

FDH2115 Imaginative and Creative Play (30 credits) explores how children utilising their imagination and creativity can develop social and motor skills building confidence and self esteem.

FDH2116 Physical and Sensory Play (30 credits) considers the importance that both physical and sensory play have in a child’s life as well as developing the skills and knowledge to put into practice some of the skills required to facilitate these sessions.