Foundation Degree in Education (Early Childhood Studies)

“Throughout this course I enjoyed learning about different views and perspectives on how children learn. I specifically enjoyed researching different approaches to children’s learning. This allowed me to reflect on my own practice and to develop as a practitioner. The teachers on this course were very supportive and were always available for guidance if needed. Whilst carrying out this course I was promoted to a baby room lead and I will be starting my level 6 top up degree in September.”

“When starting my first year I found it challenging, however now I am extremely glad I stuck with it. Throughout this period I was thinking of being a primary school teacher, however when doing my placement in a nursery I became manager which I really enjoyed. At this current time I have just qualified to be a childminder, this is something I am passionate about starting my own business and progressing onto my own nurseries in the future.”

“This course has not only broadened my knowledge of childcare practice and theory but has helped me understand and appreciate why we do the things we do in setting. The course has built my confidence both professionally and academically and I genuinely feel I can achieve my long-term goals via this route. The teaching has been done to reflect what we as a class have asked to cover, any requests are met with enthusiasm and knowledge, and this approach to learning and work has allowed me to undertake a degree without impacting negatively on my family. As a single parent with primary school aged children, I don’t believe I would have achieved as well on a more traditional route, but this part time approach has been manageable and a positive experience all round.”

“The Foundation Degree was quite a learning curve for me as I had been out of education for quite some time and had never experienced having to do academic writing before so I was unsure whether the course was right for me however, the support and feedback given throughout was really beneficial and built my confidence no end. I was working full time alongside the course, which was great because the more theory I learned, the more my practice made sense. The course not only improved my confidence, but also my reflective practice, enabling me to continually improve personally, professionally and academically. I truly enjoyed the course and would definitely recommend doing it as it has made such a difference to me. I made some great lifelong friends and have continued to do the BA (Hons) Education top up degree which I don't believe I would have had the confidence or skills for if I hadn't done the FD first.”

"Jodie began her teaching career in 2019 after completing her PGCE along with a BA in Early Childhood Studies. She began this journey as a student at the college moving through the levels until she went to university. Once completed, she fulfilled her promise to staff and came back to us as a teacher. Jodie is enthusiastic about the theory and practice of early childhood education"

"Karen has been teaching for twenty-five years, teaching in FE for the past ten years and HE the past six years. She originally had no intention of making teaching her career but is now very proud that she did. She is currently also focused on her own education by doing an MSc in Psychology, but is still fully committed to her role in the college"