Skip to main content

University of Reading Cookie Policy

We use cookies on reading.ac.uk to improve your experience. Find out more about our cookie policy. By continuing to use our site you accept these terms, and are happy for us to use cookies to improve your browsing experience.

Continue using the University of Reading website

  • Schools and departments
  • University of Reading Malaysia
  • Henley Business School
  • Applicants
  • Students
  • Staff
  • Alumni
Show/Hide navigation
University of Reading University of Reading logo
Mobile search categories
  • Study and life
  • Research
  • About us
  • View courses
  • Home
  • Study and life
    • Study
    • Student life
    • Accommodation
    • Open Days and visiting
    • International and EU students
  • Research
    • Themes
    • Impact
    • Innovation and partnerships
    • Research environment
    • Get involved
  • About us
    • Business
    • Working with the community
    • Visit us
    • Strategy
    • Governance
    • Contact us
  • Applicants
  • Students
  • Staff
  • Alumni
  • Schools and departments
  • University of Reading Malaysia
  • Henley Business School
  • View courses

Foundation Degree in CHILDREN'S DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING

  • Year of entry
    2022
  • Course duration
    2 years
  • Year of entry
    2022
  • Course duration
    2 years
View all

The Foundation Degree in Children's Development and Learning course enables you to develop the skills to progress in your career working with children, alongside your job. 

This course is aimed at early years and education practitioners who are working with children up to the age of 11 and requires you to attend for half a day (afternoon and evening) each week. You'll study through one of our partner colleges (see below).

This vocational award is a work-based course, and your assignments and lessons are all designed to benefit your professional development. You'll build upon your experience through modules in areas such as child development, safeguarding, creativity and critical thinking, and working in partnership with parents. College sessions include lectures, as well as tutorials and seminars. The course also incorporates a great deal of group work, which will be an opportunity to share experiences with fellow professionals working in a range of settings.

There is plenty of support available to help you get the most out of your course. You will be given an academic tutor who will have regular one-to-one meetings with you. You'll also nominate someone from within your own workplace, such as a manager or colleague, to become your mentor. Additionally, you'll benefit from small learning groups and access to facilities and support at your college and the University of Reading.

To apply for the course, please visit one of our partner colleges' websites:

  • Berkshire College of Agriculture
  • Bracknell & Wokingham College, part of Activate Learning
  • Newbury College
  • Basingstoke College of Technology
  • Langley College, a member of the Windsor Forest Colleges Group

For more information, please visit the Institute of Education website. 

Overview

The Foundation Degree in Children's Development and Learning course enables you to develop the skills to progress in your career working with children, alongside your job. 

This course is aimed at early years and education practitioners who are working with children up to the age of 11 and requires you to attend for half a day (afternoon and evening) each week. You'll study through one of our partner colleges (see below).

This vocational award is a work-based course, and your assignments and lessons are all designed to benefit your professional development. You'll build upon your experience through modules in areas such as child development, safeguarding, creativity and critical thinking, and working in partnership with parents. College sessions include lectures, as well as tutorials and seminars. The course also incorporates a great deal of group work, which will be an opportunity to share experiences with fellow professionals working in a range of settings.

There is plenty of support available to help you get the most out of your course. You will be given an academic tutor who will have regular one-to-one meetings with you. You'll also nominate someone from within your own workplace, such as a manager or colleague, to become your mentor. Additionally, you'll benefit from small learning groups and access to facilities and support at your college and the University of Reading.

To apply for the course, please visit one of our partner colleges' websites:

  • Berkshire College of Agriculture
  • Bracknell & Wokingham College, part of Activate Learning
  • Newbury College
  • Basingstoke College of Technology
  • Langley College, a member of the Windsor Forest Colleges Group

For more information, please visit the Institute of Education website. 

Entry requirements A Level N/A | IB N/A

This degree is not included in our firm choice scheme.

You must be working at least 2.5 days a week in a relevant setting, and are normally expected to have obtained:
  • An NQF Level 3 qualification in a work-related area;
  • GCSE English Language at a grade C or above;
  • GCSE Maths at a grade C or above;
  • At least 2 years’ experience of working within the Children’s Workforce, for example, in a registered early years setting or in a school as a Teaching Assistant.

Any candidate who does not fully meet the entry criteria (for example, who does not have Maths GCSE or the specified amount of full-time work experience but may have part-time and/or volunteering experience) is invited to submit their application, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5

For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.

Structure

  • Year 1
  • Year 2

Compulsory modules include:

X

Module details


Title:

Theories of development and learning

Code:

ED1FDL

Convenor:

Summary:

This module aims to examine ideas, concepts and theories, pioneering and contemporary, of child development and learning in order to give students a sound theoretical understanding of the key issues in child development between birth and 11 years. This understanding of child development and how it changes over time will allow practitioners to recognise and meet the developmental needs of children effectively.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 90%, Practical 10%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

X

Module details


Title:

The Child in Society (1)

Code:

ED1FCS

Convenor:

Summary:

This module will explore the nature of childhood in both a contemporary and historical setting. It will evaluate differences between the British and the international views of the influence of society on the child. The elements of the legislative framework within which child carers and educators are operating, with particular regard to the nature of childhood and safeguarding, will be examined. The principles enshrined in relevant legislation, the sources of support for children, parents and carers will be examined and aspects of multi-disciplinary working will be considered. Influences which affect children within the family and society will be researched.In this module the sociological backdrop that is relevant to contemporary childhood in the UK and internationally will be examined. Connections will be made between current theories on childhood and the students’ own practice and settings. Opportunities will be given to reflect upon their own practice and undertake independent research exploring sources of support for families, examining the nature of the child in the present society and the effects of diverse influences upon the development of children.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 90%, Practical 10%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

X

Module details


Title:

Learning Spaces

Code:

ED1FLS

Convenor:

Summary:

A module that explores the physical, emotional and temporal characteristics of a high quality learning environment that practitioners create for children in early years/educational settings (0-11). Starting from the child, different theoretical and legislative perspectives are taken to evaluate how effective the environment is in enabling children’s learning and development.

Assessment Method:

Practical 10%, Oral 90%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

X

Module details


Title:

Partnership with Parents

Code:

ED1FPP

Convenor:

Summary:

This module will explore the value of partnership working with parents in the context of children’s learning and development within the family structure; it will consider factors which either support or hinder partnership working and the role of the family and home environment in improving outcomes for children. The module will look at policy development in work with parents and the current initiatives and policy frameworks that support partnership working. . It will identify parenting stages and styles and the support available for parents, as well as considering ways to promote effective and research based working with parents.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 90%, Practical 10%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

X

Module details


Title:

Professional Skills in the Children’s Workforce

Code:

ED1FPS

Convenor:

Summary:

This module will benefit the student both personally and professionally, as it examines aspects a student would need to consider for their continued growth as a professional within the Children’s Workforce. The benefits of collaborative and culturally appropriate practice are identified and discussed. The importance of change and regular self-review for increased self-efficacy is also examined. 

The module will focus on building the student’s competence and confidence as an effective practitioner within early years/educational settings (0-11). It will extend the student’s understanding of the frameworks, underpinning values and ethical practice within which practitioners are working. It covers the application of ethical principles to a variety of situations and issues in the practice. 

Students will explore the importance of developing their skills of effective communication, and the dynamics of team formation as they work collaboratively with other professionals to support the learning and development of young children.

The module also supports students to develop academic and study skills in the context of their work-based environment.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 60%, Practical 20%, Oral 20%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Code Module Convenor
ED1FDL Theories of development and learning
ED1FCS The Child in Society (1)
ED1FLS Learning Spaces
ED1FPP Partnership with Parents
ED1FPS Professional Skills in the Children’s Workforce

Compulsory modules include:

X

Module details


Title:

The Child in Society (2)

Code:

ED2FCS

Convenor:

Summary:

This module will centre on the current understanding of inclusive education and will also explore methods of assessment and provision of support in relation to special educational needs. There will be a focus on health and well-being and its impact on development and learning. The importance of effective feedback and communication between child, practitioner and parent will be emphasised. The module will examine the legal framework within which early years settings and schools (0-11) operate relating to inclusive practice, including how support is given to vulnerable children.  Finally, a range of relevant global community issues will be analysed with a view to widening awareness and understanding of the global picture of children’s development.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 60%, Practical 10%, Oral 30%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

X

Module details


Title:

Creativity and Critical Thinking

Code:

ED2FCT

Convenor:

Summary:

This module will explore a number of key theories on the nature of creative learning and the restrictions within which practitioners work. It will look at the role of creativity in supporting flexible thinking in early years/educational settings (0-11). It will look at freedom and control elements in creativity, the role of symbolic representation, the links between creativity and other areas of development, as well as exploring the role of the practitioner and considering the wider implications of the practitioner’s role.

Assessment Method:

Practical 10%, Report 90%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

X

Module details


Title:

Supporting development and learning for 0 – 11 years

Code:

ED2FDL

Convenor:

Summary:

This module will focus on the curriculum areas and frameworks which underpin practice within early years/educational settings (0-11 years): the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stages One and Two within the National Curriculum. It will consider the ways that practitioners can assess effectively, for example, through evaluation of methods and assessment. The module will consolidate prior learning around curriculum frameworks and apply theories of development and learning to practice. This module has an emphasis on the application of learning to practice in the workplace, through the continuing development of reflective practice.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 90%, Practical 10%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

X

Module details


Title:

Practitioner Research

Code:

ED2FPR

Convenor:

Summary:

This module will extend understanding of the research process and the relevance of research for informing practice. Students completing this module will develop their knowledge of the principles and practice of research, and in particular, practitioner research within the early years and primary frameworks. Students will be expected to undertake their own independent research topic and present and evaluate their findings.

Assessment Method:

Practical 20%, Dissertation 80%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Code Module Convenor
ED2FCS The Child in Society (2)
ED2FCT Creativity and Critical Thinking
ED2FDL Supporting development and learning for 0 – 11 years
ED2FPR Practitioner Research

Optional modules include:

X

Module details


Title:

Leadership in the Children’s Workforce

Code:

ED2FCW

Convenor:

Summary:

This module looks beyond the role of the practitioner, to examine the role of leadership in early years/educational settings (0-11 years). Some of the students may already hold leadership positions in the workplace, and for others, attaining this qualification may open up leadership opportunities.The module will explore the principles and practices of effective leadership and how skills might be acquired and implemented within the workplace. Students will consider the importance of professional development and lifelong learning.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 70%, Practical 10%, Portfolio 20%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

X

Module details


Title:

International Perspectives

Code:

ED2FIP

Convenor:

Summary:

This module will widen the perspective of the student by considering developmental and pedagogical theories beyond the UK and Europe. Perspectives and beliefs surrounding qualifications, training and philosophies will all be explored and evaluated.

Assessment Method:

Assignment 70%, Practical 10%, Portfolio 20%

Disclaimer:

Please note that all modules are subject to change.
The information contained in this module description does not form any part of a student’s contract.

Code Module Convenor
ED2FCW Leadership in the Children’s Workforce
ED2FIP International Perspectives

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £ TBC (to be confirmed for 2022 entry) per year

New international students: £ TBC (to be confirmed for 2022 entry) per year

*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes

UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Depending on how you are paying your tuition fee, you may not be required to pay this before you start your course. If you take out a tuition fee loan, you will only be required to start making payments when you are earning more than a set amount. Contact us for details.

Careers

This course aims to develop your reflective and analytical skills and increase your self-confidence. It will enable you to build on your experience as an early years care and/or education practitioner and develop new strategies for supporting children and working alongside colleagues and parents.

As a graduate you will be well-placed to take on increased responsibility within the workplace and move into management roles. You may also decide to study for further professional qualifications. For example, you could take a year-long top-up course (based on 1 day's attendance each week at the University of Reading) to turn your Foundation Degree into a BA. This will give you further opportunities for professional development, for example, gaining Early Years Teacher Status or Qualified Teacher Status.

The Foundation Degree gave me a sense of personal achievement; improved confidence when watching and responding to children’s play; and improved confidence when working in partnership with others (children, families and colleagues). All of these things shot my self esteem and sense of wellbeing through the roof!

Former student

Foundation Degree in Children's Development and Learning

Related Courses

  • BA Children's Development and Learning XX32
    Full Time: 1 Year
View all Education degree courses at University of Reading courses

Contextual offers


We make contextual offers for all our courses.

Take the next step


How to apply

Come to an Open Day

Get a prospectus

Ask us a question

Chat to our students

mask
Close
CHOOSE A SUBJECT
2021
2022
Undergraduates
Postgraduates
Undergraduates
Postgraduates

Subjects A-B

  • Agriculture
  • Ancient History
  • Animal Science
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Architectural Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Business and Management, Accounting and Finance

Subjects C-E

  • Chemistry
  • Classics and Classical Studies
  • Climate Science
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Management
  • Consumer Behaviour and Marketing
  • Creative Writing
  • Drama
  • Ecology
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • English Language and Applied Linguistics
  • English Literature
  • Environment

Subjects F-G

  • Film & Television
  • Food and Nutritional Sciences
  • Foundation programmes
  • French
  • Geography
  • German
  • Graphic Communication and Design

Subjects H-M

  • Healthcare
  • History
  • International Development
  • International Foundation Programme (IFP)
  • International Relations
  • Italian
  • Languages and Cultures
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Marketing
  • Mathematics
  • Medical Sciences
  • Meteorology and Climate
  • Museum Studies

Subjects N-T

  • Nutrition
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophy
  • Physician Associate Studies
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Psychology
  • Real Estate and Planning
  • Spanish
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Surveying and Construction
  • Surveying and Construction
  • Teaching
  • Theatre

Subjects U-Z

  • Wildlife Conservation
  • Zoology

Subjects A-C

  • Agriculture
  • Ancient History
  • Animal Sciences
  • Archaeology
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Business (Post-Experience)
  • Business and Management (Pre-Experience)
  • Chemistry
  • Classics and Ancient History
  • Climate Science
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Management and Engineering
  • Consumer Behaviour
  • Creative Enterprise

Subjects D-G

  • Data Science
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Energy and Environmental Engineering
  • Engineering
  • English Language and Applied Linguistics
  • English Literature
  • Environmental Science
  • Film, Theatre and Television
  • Finance
  • Food and Nutritional Sciences
  • Geography and Environmental Science
  • Graphic Design

Subjects H-P

  • Healthcare
  • History
  • Information Management and Digital Business
  • Information Technology
  • International Development and Applied Economics
  • Languages and Cultures
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Management
  • Medieval History
  • Meteorology and Climate
  • Microbiology
  • Nutritional Sciences
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophy
  • Physician Associate
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Project Management
  • Psychology
  • Public Policy

Subjects Q-Z

  • Real Estate and Planning
  • Social Policy
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Strategic Studies
  • Teaching
  • Theatre
  • Typography and Graphic Communication
  • War and Peace Studies
  • Zoology

Subjects A-B

  • Agriculture
  • Ancient History
  • Animal Science
  • Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Architectural Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Building and Surveying
  • Business and Management, Accounting and Finance

Subjects C-E

  • Chemistry
  • Classics and Classical Studies
  • Climate Science
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Management
  • Consumer Behaviour and Marketing
  • Creative Writing
  • Drama
  • Ecology
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • English Language and Applied Linguistics
  • English Literature
  • Environment

Subjects F-G

  • Film & Television
  • Food and Nutritional Sciences
  • Foundation programmes
  • French
  • Geography
  • German
  • Graphic Communication and Design

Subjects H-M

  • Healthcare
  • History
  • International Development
  • International Foundation Programme (IFP)
  • International Relations
  • Italian
  • Languages and Cultures
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Marketing
  • Mathematics
  • Medical Sciences
  • Meteorology and Climate
  • Museum Studies

Subjects N-T

  • Nutrition
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophy
  • Physician Associate Studies
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Psychology
  • Real Estate and Planning
  • Spanish
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Surveying and Construction
  • Teaching
  • Theatre

Subjects U-Z

  • Wildlife Conservation
  • Zoology

Subjects A-C

  • Agriculture
  • Ancient History
  • Animal Sciences
  • Archaeology
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Business (Post-Experience)
  • Business and Management (Pre-Experience)
  • Chemistry
  • Classics and Ancient History
  • Climate Science
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Management and Engineering
  • Consumer Behaviour
  • Creative Enterprise

Subjects D-G

  • Data Science
  • Economics
  • Education
  • Energy and Environmental Engineering
  • Engineering
  • English Language and Applied Linguistics
  • English Literature
  • Environmental Science
  • Film, Theatre and Television
  • Finance
  • Food and Nutritional Sciences
  • Geography and Environmental Science
  • Graphic Design

Subjects H-P

  • Healthcare
  • History
  • Information Management and Digital Business
  • Information Technology
  • International Development and Applied Economics
  • Languages and Cultures
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Management
  • Medieval History
  • Meteorology and Climate
  • Microbiology
  • Nutritional Sciences
  • Pharmacy
  • Philosophy
  • Physician Associate
  • Politics and International Relations
  • Project Management
  • Psychology
  • Public Policy

Subjects Q-Z

  • Real Estate and Planning
  • Social Policy
  • Speech and Language Therapy
  • Strategic Studies
  • Teaching
  • Theatre
  • Typography and Graphic Communication
  • War and Peace Studies
  • Zoology

Ready for more?

How to apply
Visit an Open Day
Get a prospectus
View courses
  • Charitable status 
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies
  • Terms of use
  • Sitemap

© University of Reading