Early Years Care and Education

Overview
If you currently work with young children in an educational setting, have a level 3 qualification (such as a relevant Early Years NVQ), and you're looking to develop your career to university-level, this Foundation degree (FdA) in Early Years Care and Education will give you the professional recognition you need.

You’ll work with early years professionals to gain skills and knowledge that’ll serve you in helping young children realise their potential through fun, excitement and play.

You’ll be a student of the University of Portsmouth, so you’ll have access to all of our facilities and support.

After the course, you'll be ready to take the next step in your career as an early years professional. You could also go on to do a Bachelor's degree such as our BA (Hons) Education Studies or use your Foundation degree to do training that leads to Qualified Teacher Status such as Early Years Teacher Training.


• Build your expertise as an early years professional by exploring theories and contemporary issues within education, such as curriculum planning, safeguarding and cognitive and language development



• Learn in supportive study groups, alongside other early years professionals from different backgrounds, and discover practical ways to put your new knowledge and skills to work



• Be taught by expert staff with extensive experience, using dynamic and relevant teaching methods to help you get the most out of your studies



• Study full-time at Isle of Wight College



• Have the option to begin the course in year 2 if you already have sufficient experience or qualifications (assessed on an individual basis)



Endorsed by:
The Foundation Degree in Early Years Care and Education has been validated by SEFDEY (Sector Endorsed Foundation Degrees in Early Years Professional Association) as meeting the criteria for Sector-Endorsement.

Careers and opportunities
This Early Years Care and Education Foundation degree (FdA) will enable you to progress in your existing career as an early years practitioner, opening up opportunities across the education sector that help shape children's younger formative years or to go on to further study, such as teacher training.

What can you do with an early years care and education foundation degree?
Once you graduate, you'll be ready to take on roles in areas such as:


- teaching assistance


- learning support assistance


- nursery management


- childcare development


You could also progress to a relevant Bachelor's top-up degree, such as BA (Hons) Education Studies (Top-Up). Following this top-up course, you could go on to do teacher training through PGCE, SCITT or Early Years Initial Teacher Training programmes.

All Clearing students are guaranteed an offer of a room in halls (terms and conditions apply), giving you added confidence as you plan your next steps. Full details can be found on the University of Portsmouth website.

By signing up for Priority Clearing, you can receive accommodation information straight to your inbox, along with exclusive access to Portsmouth’s Clearing Visit Day on Thursday 6 August. Priority Clearing applicants benefit from queue-jump status on Results Day, as well as exclusive updates, invitations to Clearing Webinars and personalised one-to-one application support.

The Clearing Visit Day offers you the chance to experience Portsmouth’s welcoming campus and vibrant student community first-hand before you enrol. With guaranteed accommodation, you can feel reassured that you’ll be at the heart of university life from day one.