Modules

You will study six modules in year 1 and six modules in year 2. Please find below a brief overview of the modules on offer. You should find that the modules cover topics which are familiar to you, however we will be looking at each topic through up to date legislation and research ensuring you are at the forefront in considering key areas for this age range.

Module 1 – Personal Learning and Development

This module supports you on your learning journey to develop the skills you need to study at degree level.

Module 2 – Child Development

This module looks at the early development of children and helps to lay the foundations for the modules that follow. In this module we will study the theoretical foundations of child development; pre-natal development; critical aspects of child development between birth and one (including brain development); holistic development and specific areas of development i.e. language, critical to understanding the child from birth to five.

Module 3 – Supporting Every Child and Inclusive Practice

This module looks at what it means to support a child between the ages of birth to five. It considers the skills and knowledge required to support children as they develop and learn; the methods of observing and recording a child’s ‘learning journey’; planning in relation to the requirements of the Foundation Stage or Foundation Phase. It takes a look at inclusion within a childcare setting; what this means for early years practitioners and the legislation which surrounds this key area.

Module 4 – Positive Relationships

This module aims to explore what is meant by ‘positive relationships’ and what this could look like within a childcare setting. Throughout this module the student is supported to explore their own values and beliefs around building relationships with children and parents and how these may differ from professional values. Legislation surrounding working with parents is examined and the role of the ‘key person’ is explored.

Module 5 – Developing the Childcare Environment

This module takes a thorough look at how the child care environment is utilised to enhance the learning and development of babies and young children. It explores what current research and legislation tells us about the needs of children from birth to five including an examination of best practice regarding the indoor and outdoor environment; including children in planning the environment and being creative.

Module 6 – Children’s Health and Well-being

This module aims to explore the dietary and physical needs of babies and young children. It examines what is meant by ‘good health’ and explores the role of the early years practitioner in supporting parents and children to make ‘healthy choices’. This module also examines in more detail the role of emotional development and the key area of attachment.

In the second year you will also study the following modules:

Module 7 - Reflective Practice and Research Methods

Module 8 - Safeguarding Children

Module 9 - Exploring Attachment

Module 10 - Curricula for Learning and Development

Module 11 - Play and Exploration

Module 12 - Provision to Meet Children’s Needs