Early Childhood Studies with Sandwich Placement

During this course, you will undertake University-based learning at Walsall Campus. Modules in the first year (level 4) focus on the following topics-

Power, Inclusion and Diversity

The Role of Play in Childhood

Child Development

Growing Up in the 21st Century

Safeguarding and Promoting Well-being

Developing a Professional Role as an Early Years Teacher

You will also be required to attend an appropriate registered setting (0-8) in order to experience, participate in and develop competence in a range of tasks associated with practice in an early years setting. They will be expected to reflect on and develop their practice during these modules during the course.

• 150 hours at level 4 (with a named professional partner) linking to the module 'Developing Professionals'
• 150 hours at level 5 (with a named professional partner) linking to the module 'Professional Studies'
• 50 hours at level 6 (with professional partner) linking to the module 'Leading Quality'

Included in this degree is a practice award. Upon successful completion of the degree and the assessment placement modules, you will be awarded practitioner status which meets which meets the DfE full and relevant criteria meaning that students on completion of their course can be counted in the ratios at levels 2 and 3.

During the 2nd year of study students are invited to a ‘transition’ event designed to aid and smooth their progression from level 5 to level 6. Participants were given advice about how to prepare for their level 6 studies and module leaders were able to provide reading and other summer work to those eager to make a start. Examples of this included:

• Academic staff offering support on refining your research title and questions
• Literature review searching
• Where can I get help over the summer?