What is the Foundation Degree in Children’s Care, Learning and Development?
The Foundation Degree in Children’s Care, Learning and Development (FdA CCLD) is a Higher Education programme for experienced practitioners who work with children (teaching assistants, nursery nurses etc). The underlying theme and focus of the programme is to facilitate professional development through the process of reflection. Each module will develop student’s ability to explore, discuss, analyse, evaluate and develop their practice with regard to theory, research, policy and recognised good practice.
I understand that if I am a full-time student I need to be in an appropriate setting for 20 hours per week, or as a part-timer for 10 hours per week. Do I have to be in paid employment or can I work as a volunteer?
You may be in either as long as you have regular contact with children and fulfil the other requirements (NVQ L3 or equivalent and current CRB check). You will need to ensure that you have a mentor and that your employer fully understands the implications of you being a student and having opportunities to carry out work based tasks within the setting.
How much independent study will I need to do?
That’s difficult to equate as each student is different. As a rule, we tend to suggest that for each module, you will need to allow 150 hours of self-directed study. You need to consider this carefully as busy practitioners often find it hard to find individual study time within their busy lives.
I haven’t written an essay for 15 years! Is there any student support available?
Yes, we have a number of ways in which you can enhance your study skills: face to face with our study support team, electronically through our study skills portal and also through extended reading – the library has a study skills section and some texts specifically focus on study skills for mature students.
What sort of support should I expect?
All students are allocated a personal tutor who will offer pastoral support and will visit students in their settings. In addition, academic tutorials are an integral part of each module during which students can clarify and review the teaching and learning with their tutors.
When can I start?
We have an annual intake of students and lectures start in October.