Foundation Degree Education and Learning Support FdA

The Sheffield College

Subject to full validation, this foundation degree with help you to gain the knowledge and skills to support children and young people to reach their full learning potential. You will develop your knowledge of theory, research and policy in education, and apply your learning to your own professional practice. If you work alongside teachers in a support role, in an educational setting for children or young people, or in an early years setting which delivers the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework, this course will develop your skills and enhance your career prospects. The foundation degree can be used to gain leadership and management roles across a range of early years settings, and can lead to further study at Level 6, including degrees which confer Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

The Foundation Degree in Education and Learning Support is an innovative programme that allows you to obtain a degree level qualification whilst working in a practical learning environment.

You will apply what you learn in the classroom to your current job or work experience placement, enabling you to continually develop your professional skills and behaviours. You will examine your own academic and professional development to ensure that new learning becomes embedded in your everyday practice, and that you continue to make a significant contribution to the learning and development of the children in your setting.

The course is taught through a variety of methods, including:

• lectures and seminars
• group activities
• self-directed study
• online learning
• reflecting on experiences

Please note that this course is currently awaiting validation and as such is subject to change.

Key Units

Year One

• Children's Development
• Developing Local Community Partnership
• Health And Well-being
• Professional Roles In Educational Settings
• Teaching and Learning
• The Contemporary Curriculum

Year Two

• Educational Inclusion
• Enabling Environments
• Partnership, Collaboration and Team Working
• Safeguarding Children and Young People
• Social Inclusion In Educational Contexts
• The Reflective Practitioner

Entry Requirements

UCAS Points

This course requires 48 UCAS points. This must include least two A Levels or equivalent BTEC National or CACHE qualifications.

GCSEs

• English Language or English Literature at grade C/4
• Mathematics at grade C/4

We may accept GCSE equivalents

Employment/Work Experience

All applicants must have at least one years full-time equivalent experience working in the sector and Level 2 qualifications in Literacy and Numeracy. Where applicants can demonstrate substantial experience in the sector we may accept a lower level of achievement at Level 3.

If English is not your first language you need an IELTS score of 6.0 or above, with a minimum score of 5.5 in each skill area.

Assessment

Throughout the course you will learn and be assessed via a number of methods, including:

• work-based learning
• lectures and seminars
• self-directed study
• tutorials and workshops

On completion of the full Level 5 qualification students are eligible to apply to Sheffield Hallam University to join the top-up year - this will enable you to gain your QTS at Level 6.

Future Opportunities

After completing this foundation degree you can progress to the BA (Hons) Education and Learning Support (top-up), or apply for a two-year top-up course to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

This course prepares you for a career in:

• leadership and management
• teaching
• additional learning support
• children and families