In your first semester you will cover 2 compulsory modules – Dissertation and Leadership and Management. Alongside this you will also undertake a double module professional practice which requires you to either work or volunteer in a setting for a total of 100 hours to meet the module requirements.
We use a range of teaching strategies that encourage independence and co construction of learning such as discussions, seminars, workshops, case studies and presentations.
Dissertation – Semesters 1 and 2
40 Credits (Compulsory)
This double module aims to enable students to identify a specific issue or area of interest to investigate for their research study. It will enable students to examine the aspect in depth through e an empirical study. It requires students to identify and apply an appropriate research design, addressing ethical principles, and employing systematic research procedures. Students will present and analyse their findings with critical reflection on their research question, methodology, management and organisation and analyse limitations of their study. They will identify the implications for policy and practice in the field of early childhood education and care.
Leadership and Management in Early Childhood Education and Care Settings
20 Credits (Compulsory)
This module provides students with the opportunity to gain a practical and critical understanding of the current issues facing leaders and managers within ECEC settings in England, with a particular focus on the management of change and multi-agency and multi-professional (integrated) partnership-working. This will involve analysis of the range of skills, knowledge and understanding concerned with team membership, management and leadership as well as pertinent theories to support becoming an effective leader. Seminal and contemporary theoretical perspectives and research on leadership and management will be presented and analysed in order to increase students’ understanding and appreciation of the roles and values of practitioners from different professional cultures. Students will also participate in activities that will enable them to learn from their own and others’ experience of leadership and management in practice in order to develop their own leadership and management strengths.
ECU614 Professional Practice in Early Years
This double module for Top-Up students provides an opportunity for students to explore the concept of quality practice with the content being framed around the standards for the Early Years Educator (NCTL, 2013) and the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework (DfE 2020). The module also requires students to work alongside professional practitioners in Early Years settings/schools/organisations to further develop their knowledge, skills and competence of working in practice with children, families and other professionals. Students will be required to identify and attend an appropriate setting/school/organisation, in negotiation with the student, the tutor and the setting. in order to experience, participate in and develop competence in a range of tasks associated with education and care in an Early Years setting/school/organisation. Alongside the practical experience, students also attend taught sessions around aspects of Quality Practice in Early Childhood Education and Care. Settings are provided with guidance in the form of an Employer Handbook which provides information on all aspects of the Placement including the aims of the placement, the role of the setting in supporting the students, information as to what students need to undertake whilst on placement and contact details of tutors. Students also have access to a handbook which includes information as to the purpose of placement, their role in terms of professional conduct and an overview of the taught sessions and the assessment.
