FdA Early Years and Education
Foundation degree
Start your teaching career with a Foundation Degree in Early Years and Education. You'll set yourself on the right path to educate young minds and help shape their futures from a young age.
- Study our early years foundation degree flexibly around your life commitments with supported distance learning
- Develop your professional practice with help from our skilled and passionate tutors
- Share your love of learning and kickstart your career in the early years sector
- Experience Gold-standard teaching, learning and student support. TEF2023
- Be part of the University of the Year (THE)
About your Foundation Degree in early years
Course highlights
- Ranked 13th in the country by the Guardian League Table 2025
- Designed to enhance your personal development and your contribution within your place of work
- Develop specialist knowledge in Early Years Education, and key skills in planning, practice and communication.
- Enhance your learning through work placements with the support and guidance of a mentor.
- Option to top-up to a full honours degree, or continue on to a teaching degree.
Study the course over 3 years
Start your course in September
24th April 2025
Course overview
Working with children is exciting, fun, and incredibly rewarding. You’ll get the chance to impact their development by guiding them through new activities, and facilitating their interest in new concepts. Teaching young children requires a different set of skills to teaching other age groups such as Key Stages 3 and 4. The education of young children requires specialist knowledge in Early Years Education, and key skills in planning, practice and communication.
This early years foundation degree online is designed to help you develop your teaching skills in your own place of work. When you have the opportunity to work while you learn, you’ll develop a functioning understanding of the policies and practices of the subject – benefiting your personal development and your contribution within your place of work.
You'll learn about the education sector as well as child development, play, safeguarding and equality, with a strong focus on issues that are currently affecting Early Years and Education services. Under the guidance of a mentor, you'll undertake work placements and record your progress in a professional development portfolio. There are no exams; you will be assessed throughout the course with essays, a reflective diary, reports, presentations, and contribution to web discussions.
All of your lecturers are research active and experienced within the field, whilst drawing upon their own and others' publications to enhance your understanding of key themes and concepts. Guest speakers are also involved with sharing their knowledge and skills of current practice.
Benefits to you
- You'll develop a wide range of practical and analytical skills.
- You'll improve your ability to think critically about your work.
- Adapt your studies and assignments to reflect the setting in which you work
- A foundation degree in Early Years and Education will open a wide range of career options, in areas ranging from teaching to social work.
Benefits to your organisation
- Our Early Years and Education FdA course has professional recognition.
- You'll be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Early Years contexts within which the widening children's workforce operate.
- You'll be familiar with the policies and practices of Early Years Education.
- You'll be encouraged to critically analyse contemporary theories and empirical evidence in the area.
This course will open up a number of career options. You’ll be able to apply for roles in nursery work, school support and playwork. A FdA course in education studies is also an advantage if you want to do further study, such as topping up to a BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies in just one year.
The course has professional recognition. It takes into account the Children's Workforce Development Council and the Early Years Professional Framework
Modules
Core modules
Due to the structure of this course, there will be instances where you will study two modules simultaneously during a trimester. You will be supported by your tutors to help manage your workload and assessment deadlines.
Please contact one of our advisers to discuss the pacing of this course and the options available to match your circumstances.
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.
Assessment
As you move through the course, we’ll check your progress regularly to make sure that you’re achieving milestones, and getting any extra support that you may need. You'll be assessed on one multiple choice exam and written work. This will include essays, a reflective diary, reports, presentations, web discussions and a professional development portfolio.
Meet your tutors
Stacy Randall, Senior Lecturer & Course Leader
Stacy has expertise in Early Years Education, working with children and families aged 0-7 years. Stacy is a qualified Social Worker and has a specific interest in leadership and management, safeguarding children, continuous professional development and lifelong learning. Having over 30 years’ experience in education she feels passionate about ensuring every child has the best childhood possible.
Stacy has tutored, assessed and mentored students in Higher Education since 2018. Stacy has a breadth of knowledge and skills to bring to her role.
Experience includes the role of Deputy Director for a National Children’s Charity, the operational responsibilities for Children’s Centres across West Essex, overseeing contracts for Young Carer projects and Prison Visitor Centres, Mentoring Programmes and other bespoke services.
As well as this Stacy worked in the children and families assessment team at a Local Authority until taking up a full time role at Anglia Ruskin University.
At all times she keeps the child at the centre of her work, ensuring the child’s voice is heard. Her varied experience and involvement in the early years industry has led to an interest to ensure the early years workforce is recognised for the important part they play in society, through education and continued research.
How you'll study
Our Early Years and Education FdA is studied 100% online.
You’ll study through Canvas, our world-class online Learning Management System (LMS), which can be accessed from your phone, PC or tablet, both at home and on the move. Canvas provides instant access to study materials, forums, and support from tutors and classmates, as well as enabling easy submission of your assignments.
On successful completion of your studies, you’ll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony on campus. If attending the ceremony in person is not possible then we’ll arrange to have your certificate sent to you.
Supported distance learning
We understand that distance learning is different to traditional campus study and if you’re new to online study you may have concerns or apprehensions about studying your FdA Early Years and Education remotely, and that’s natural.
To help put your mind at ease we have a dedicated Distance Learning Support Team to help and support you throughout your time at ARU, starting with your first online induction and staying with you right through to graduation. In addition, you’ll also be supported by specialist early years module tutors, well experienced in supporting distance learning students.
Once you start your FdA Early Years and Education, we encourage the creation of online communities and many of our learners find these connections with others invaluable, helping them to stay motivated, share concerns or make new friendships.
Contact us to talk through any questions or concerns or visit our support page for more information about the support services available.
Gold-standard education
We're proud to have received a Gold award for the quality of our education in a UK-wide review of university teaching standards.
Why we're rated Gold
Our course content and delivery is rated as outstanding with the review citing ‘innovative and highly effective course design and content that inspires students to actively engage and commit to their learning’.
We’re also rated outstanding in the areas of:
- student engagement in learning
- learning environment and academic support
- learning resources
- student engagement in improvement
- approaches to supporting student success
- intended educational gains
- approaches to supporting educational gains.
What is the Teaching Excellence Framework?
The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) is a national scheme run by the Office for Students that focuses on the areas students care most about: teaching, learning, and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.
It has three outcomes: Bronze, Silver and Gold.
This rating was awarded in September 2023, and lasts for four years.

Be part of the University of the Year
We're proud to be the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year 2023.
The prestigious THE awards honour ’exceptional performance during the 2021-22 academic year, and reflect ARU’s success in delivering high-impact projects during this period, despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The award recognises the difference we make in the region and our communities – while also acknowledging the broader impact of our world-leading research, and the contributions our students and graduates make to society.

Careers
What could a foundation degree in early years do for my career?
If you want to build a career working with children, a foundation degree in Early Years childcare and education can be a fantastic stepping stone to a wide range of careers and can be achieved within 3 years part-time as a distance learning student.
One of the most obvious – and most popular – of these is teaching. With an Early Years and Education FdA, you may choose to top up your degree to a BA or continue to teacher training.
This course also opens the door to a number of educational opportunities outside of teaching, including educational assistant and consultancy roles. Working in education is a rewarding path that gives you the opportunity to help shape young lives, whether through working directly with young children or developing policies that allow them the chance to learn and grow in secure, stimulating environments. By contributing to education in this way, you’ll play a crucial role in improving the lives and opportunities of young children at a crucial time in their lives.
With a degree in Early Years and Education, you can also open doors to roles in child protection and social services, applying the theories and policies that you learned on our expertly curated modules to ensure the health and safety of young children.
What job roles can I consider with a foundation degree in early years?
An Early Years & Education FdA could lead to a wide range of career opportunities within education, health and social care sectors with further training and/or qualifications. These are just some of the job roles that Early Years & Education FdA graduate may consider, possibly with further training depending on the role:
- Early Years Teacher
- Family Support Worker
- Teaching Assistant
- Learning Mentor
- Key Worker
- Primary School Teacher
- Special Educational Needs Teacher
- Nursery Manager
- Children Centre Worker
If you are looking for more information about these job profiles and potential salary earnings see Prospects.ac.uk. It’s important to note that salaries can vary widely depending on the job role, employer, industry sector and location.
What skills will I get from a foundation degree in early years to help my career?
Choosing to study an Early Years & Education FdA will give you many transferable skills. Here are just some of them:
- You will develop critical thinking skills
- Learn to communicate ideas, principles, theories, and argument
- Use ICT to support your own development and the development of children
- Understand how to manage time and resources
- Manage your own CPD
What can I study after a foundation degree in early years?
Depending on your long-term goals and desired career, the Early Years & Education FdA provides a stepping stone to further qualifications such as Early Childhood Studies (Top-up) BA (Hons) or a teaching qualification. Further along In your career, you may consider a postgraduate degree in a related subject such as Education with Early Childhood MA or Education with Montessori MA .
Careers Advice Service
Once you become an ARU student you will be able to access our Employability service to help you at whatever stage of your career, whether that’s landing your dream job or the next progression step.
We offer:
- careers advice, including one-to-one online and telephone appointments with our experienced advisers
- help with your CV, job searches, applications and interview preparation
- an online portal packed with useful careers resources
- our Employability Programme, which helps you hone the skills employers say they want in graduates.
Entry requirements
Main
- A minimum age of 18
- Appropriate Level 3 Integrated Qualifications Framework (IQF) Qualification (CWDC) with current or recent experience in childcare
- GCSE grade 4 (C) or above in English Language and Maths (or any other Level 2 English or Maths qualification, including Equivalency Testing)
- If English is not your first language you will be expected to demonstrate a certificated level of proficiency of at least IELTS 6.0 (Academic level) or equivalent English Language qualification, as recognised by Anglia Ruskin University.
- You'll need Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance in order to study this course.
Alternatives
- UCAS Tariff points acquired from BTEC Level 3 Diplomas are accepted.
- Access to HE Diplomas at overall Pass grade are accepted.
- International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 24 points is accepted.
- UCAS Tariff points from the Irish Leaving Certificate are accepted.
- UCAS Tariff points from Scottish Highers are accepted.
- UCAS Tariff points from Scottish Advanced Highers are accepted.
- 48 UCAS Tariff Points from A level (or equivalent).
As a distance learner, you'll also need a suitable computer with internet connection, together with sufficient IT competence to make effective use our online learning management system (LMS) with high-speed internet and email.
Fees & funding
Fees
The full tuition fee for this course is £11,200.
The tuition fees you pay each year for the full Early Years and Education FdA will be £2,800 in year one and £4,200 in years 2 and 3. The course is studied over 3 years.
Accredited Prior Learning may reduce the tuition fees. This will be confirmed once your application has been submitted.
Funding
Government-backed part time student loans are available to cover the cost of studying this course. These are subject to eligibility and terms and conditions.
We offer payment by instalments, so you can spread the cost of studying with us.
For military students: You can use your ELCs towards this course. ARU is a recognised ELCAS provider (number 1007). Please contact your Learning Centre for details of ELC, eligibility and how to apply.
For more information on how you fund your studies please see our funding page.
What our students say
I'm impressed with the support I've received during my foundation degree. For this reason, and to fulfil my aspirations of becoming a teacher, I have chosen ARU to extend my studies to a BA degree.
My course has given me the skills and confidence to make changes and improvements in my place of work and understand the theory behind the process.
I am very proud of myself for finally accomplishing what I have been meaning to do for many years and it has given me the confidence to undertake further study in the future.
The level of support ARU offers is world-class. ARU has clear, concise online support that is easy to navigate.