Children and Young People FdA - Education, Childhood and SEND

Program Overview

This FdA program is a two-year full-time or three-year part-time professional qualification for individuals working or aspiring to work with children and young people aged 0-25. It combines theory, practical work, and reflection to enhance participants' knowledge, skills, and understanding. Students benefit from personal academic tutoring and industry experience through two days of volunteering or work per week. Graduates are well-equipped for advancement in their practice, pursuing teacher training courses, or topping up to a relevant bachelor's degree.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This course is a professional qualification valued by employers. It aims to help students become more confident, knowledgeable, and effective practitioners working with children, young people, and their families. The program is designed for those already working or wanting to work with children and young people aged 0–25, to further develop their knowledge, skills, and understanding.

Outline:

• Study options: Full-time: 2 years, Part-time: 3 years
• Course level: Undergraduate
• Qualification: FdA
• Start date: September
• Specialist pathways: Early Years, Early Years with Practitioner Status, Teaching Assistant, or Special Educational Needs (dependent on chosen site of study).
• Modules: The specific modules are subject to change, but the course content is regularly reviewed to improve student experience and graduate prospects.
• Learning methods: A mixture of theory and practical work, with reflection on practice.
• Assessment: No exams.

Teaching:

• Personal academic tutoring: Students are assigned a personal academic tutor who works with them to help them get the most out of their time at university.

Careers:

• Demand: Growing demand for qualified practitioners working in children’s and young people’s services.
• Outcomes: Graduates are equipped with the knowledge, understanding, and professional skills to progress in their practice and make an impact on service provision.
• Career paths:
• Promotion to senior roles
• Leading practices
• Teacher training courses
• Top-up options: Graduates can top up to a degree by completing the final stage of a relevant bachelors degree, such as:
• BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies
• BA (Hons) Education Studies
• BA (Hons) Special Educational Needs and Disability

Other:

• Industry experience: Students are required to volunteer or work in the sector two days per week.
• Location: The course can be studied at Buxton & Leek College as part of the University of Derby, or at one of their partner colleges:
• Boston College
• Loughborough College
• Teaching hours: Extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, with contact time with lecturers and tutors potentially occurring anytime between 9am and 9pm.