Services for Young Children

Level 5 and 6

Open University Module E100

The early years: developing practice (E100) is a module at level 4 which is available through the Open University and is eligible for bursary funding (see www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/course/e100.htm ).

This module is for anyone currently working with young children aged between birth and seven years in public, private, voluntary and independent settings. You’ll consider practice in relation to working with young children and other adults (including colleagues, other professionals, parents and carers). You’ll develop your knowledge of provision for young children from birth to seven years and explore how they develop and learn. The module looks at the early years curriculum and its underpinning principles and values and is of direct relevance to all UK national early years guidance, including the Early Years Foundation Stage.

On successful completion of E100 you would achieve the Certificate in Early Years Practice (see www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/qualification/c37.htm ) which is included in the Children’s Workforce Development Council's Qualifications list for those delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage as an acceptable course at level 4.

After completion you would either continue on with the OU Foundation Degree or transfer to a local provider. Your E100 module should provide 60 credit points at level 4 to towards a Foundation Degree with another provider but you would need to apply to them for agreement to transfer the credit into their qualification. All of the courses listed in this section can be paid for through a bursary. This will be used to discount the cost of the course, with you being responsible for paying any outstanding amount. The bursary is a one off payment. The bursary will cover different expenses for specific courses, e.g. the cost of a peripatetic assessor, and some other courses may have supply and travel covered. Please refer to the Financial assistance section of this website for further information.

Courses can be taught in different ways and it is important that you ask the provider how the course is set-up, e.g. will I attend classes with other students or will I meet with my tutor on a 1-1 basis? How much contact time will I have with my tutor/assessor? How long will I have to complete my course? Please make sure you take all this information into account when choosing which course provider to enrol with.

Level 5

This is the preffered higher level study for the Early Years and Childcare sector. Pratitioners who have a minimum of 2 years experience of working with children 0-5 years and who hold a full and relevant Level 3 qualification are encouraged to consider this as the next step in their career. If practitioners hold a full and relevant Level 4 qualification the awarding may allow you to transfer your Level 4 credits. This could provide an exemption for year one Foundation Degree study. Further details of this must be sought from the awarding university or their affiliated college.

Course/qualification Aimed at Course description Course provider
Foundation Degree in Early Years Care and Education (sector endorsed) Early Years practitioners in education, childcare, playwork settings and childminders, nannies etc, who hold NVQ 3 or equivalent A flexible degree course, full-time or part-time with a lot of work based in learners settings.
Foundation Degree in Childhood Studies Early Years practitioners in education, childcare, playwork settings and childminders, nannies etc, who hold NVQ 3 or equivalent. A flexible degree course, part-time with a lot of work based in settings.
Foundation Degree in Playwork This new degree is for practitioners who have a minimum of 12 months experience of working with children, and must have completed a level 3 course or hold A levels. The degree follows a modular approach linked to reflective practice and a field placement.

Level 6/EYPS

Foundation degrees can be ‘topped-up’ to Level 6 in the following ways:

  • A further 60 credits leads to the award of an ordinary full degree

  • 120 credits leads to the award of an Honours degree

The college or university delivering your Foundation Degree will be able to give you more information.

SfYC would recommend that you look to enrol onto the Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) pathway where you can complete your final year and gain EYPS status. Depending on your academic qualifications it may be possible for you to join an Honours degree programme straight away.