FdA Early Years and Education

The Developing Child

In this module you will explore how humans learn and develop throughout the life-course with a particular focus on babies, toddlers and young children. We will consider both innate development, ‘nature’, and the influence of other humans, ‘nurture’, and our changing understanding of how these interrelate. You will gain an understanding of theories of learning and play, relating these to both children’s and your own acquisition of new knowledge and understanding. You will develop personal study skills and develop good academic practice through practical tasks that relate to the overall module content. You will consider how different theories of learning align with different philosophical perspectives and see the long-term consequences of shifts in paradigm.

We will also look at current theories issues and approaches. By examining current health promotion, child development theory and the latest research, we can better support the development of healthy, well-rounded children. The knowledge you will gain not only supports children’s development but also enhances your own employability in fields related to health, education, and social care.

Inclusive Research with Children

In this module, you will explore the child’s world through various theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, particularly those that highlight diversity. You will examine the experiences of children aged 0-8 years using a variety of approaches, gaining an understanding of research design and process. A strong focus is placed on developing an awareness  of ethical issues and procedures required when conducting research, especially with babies, toddlers and young children. Inclusive and participatory approaches are emphasised, promoting children’s autonomy and voice. Throughout the module, you learn various methodologies and data collection methods, critically analysing their purposes, strengths, and limitations, and understanding how to interpret data. This module encourages you to actively reflect and collaborate with peers, sharing experiences and ideas. It encourages linking research to your own practice, enabling you to bridge theory and real-world application in your workplace. You will be able to:

• Demonstrate how you listen to and work in collaboration with children (aged 0-8), individually and in groups.
• Observe, support and extend young children’s participation in their learning through following their needs and interests
• Support children to respect others by providing opportunities for their participation and decision making

Safeguarding and Wellbeing

In this module, you will develop an essential understanding of the concept of safeguarding and wellbeing, which is crucial for working with infants, toddlers and young children. You will gain an appreciation of the contemporary factors and challenges involved in safeguarding children, including considerations such as children’s rights, digital literacy and multi-agency working to support both families, children and young people. The module will enable you to develop a rigorous understanding of the UK legislation and government policy guiding safeguarding provision and practices relevant to your role as a practitioner. Additionally, you will provide evidence of your engagement with supplementary training specific to UK safeguarding standards. This training will give you practical insights into current safeguarding protocols, ensuring that you can apply these standards to protect and support children effectively within professional settings.

Exploring a Sustainable Education

In this module you will delve into the principles and practices of sustainability within early childhood education looking at secondary literature and policies which are in place with the aims to equip educators with the knowledge and skills to foster environmental awareness and sustainable habits in Early Childhood. You will look at different areas of sustainability and consider the role of the professional for supporting babies, toddlers and young children through play, whilst identifying and apply pedagogical knowledge of how to develop enabling environments both inside and out.

Developing Practice in the Workplace

This module combines theoretical frameworks with practical applications by supporting both your academic and professional development within the Early Childhood sectors. With a strong emphasis on critical reflection, you will be encouraged to analyse your learning experiences and professional practices contextually to enable you to gain a deeper understanding of your sector. The module promotes professionalism by integrating real-world challenges and ethical considerations, ensuring you develop the skills and attitudes necessary for professional achievement. Regard for inclusion is central to the module, as you will be encouraged to embrace diverse perspectives and practices, creating a more equitable and collaborative environment. Through this module you will be critically evaluating your experiences and learning, fostering deeper personal and professional growth. By bridging theory and practice, this module equips you with the critical thinking and professional skills needed to navigate the complexities of your professional career whilst also supporting babies, toddlers and young children. The module is underpinned by sector benchmark standards which lay out the minimum requirements for what an Early Childhood Educators must know, understand and be able to do to be considered qualified to support babies, toddlers and young children.

Creative Pedagogy: How Children Learn (0-8)

In this module you will examine various theoretical frameworks, pedagogical approaches, and practical strategies for embedding creativity into your early childhood practice. Creativity is a natural predisposition towards learning and development which makes it a key component of a child-centred education that supports holistic development and wellbeing. You will be encouraged to use and reflect on your own creative practices as educators and consider how to implement a range of inclusive and culturally responsive creative activities. By the end of the module, you will gain insight into ways that creative play, imagination, and exploration can foster babies, toddlers and young children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth.

To do this, you will be encouraged to use your own creativity by ’thinking outside the box’, and seeking ways to support and inspire children (0-8), the practitioners you work with, and yourself as a creative adult. The rights of children to express through different means and modalities will be acknowledged and you will be reflecting on the importance of recognising and encouraging diverse forms of self-expression, curiosity, and how to embrace sustainability.

Enhancing Practice in the Workplace

This module combines theoretical frameworks with practical application to reinforce your academic and professional development within the Early Years and Education sectors. Employing your developing reflective ability, you will be encouraged to analyse your learning experiences and professional practices within context, deepening your understanding of the sector. In this module you will exhibit a well-informed appreciation of the complex concepts which are relevant to working with babies, toddlers and young children. You will also develop essential the skills for change management and problem solving within the context of a professional environment. Through the module you will take on responsibilities that foster the development of transferable skills, equipping you with the professional capabilities needed for employment as a highly qualified professional in this field.

The module is underpinned by sector benchmark standards which lay out the minimum requirements for what an Early Childhood Educators must know, understand and be able to do to be considered qualified to support babies, toddlers and young children.

Communication Matters

In this module, you will explore the importance of communication in Early Childhood settings, looking at ways to promote meaningful interactions and connections with babies, toddlers and young children as well as with adults. From the perspective of the child, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the many ways children communicate with their peers and with the adults around them, whether through their spoken language or languages, or through gesture and other non-verbal means of expression. You will explore how children’s speech, language and communication development underpin other areas of learning in early childhood, as well as how these are intrinsically linked to children’s social and emotional wellbeing. You will learn about approaches to supporting children from diverse backgrounds, including nurturing the development of their multicultural and multilingual identities.
From the perspective of the adult, you will consider the role of the Early Years professional in supporting children’s language development, taking a multifaceted, holistic view of children’s communication. You will also evaluate and reflect on strategies for suitable and effective communication with colleagues and wider professionals in the workplace, and for building effective partnerships with families. You will explore a range of transferable communication skills, including active listening and advocacy, as routes to understanding different perspectives and ensuring the wellbeing of all children and adults in our settings, including ourselves.

Modules are subject to change and availability.