COURSE CURRICULUM

The Early Years Education and Care program with Early Years Practitioner Status is structured over three years to develop students’ knowledge, practical skills, and professional understanding of early childhood education. In the first year, students build a strong foundation by exploring the key principles of child development and early years practice. Through lectures, group discussions, workshops, and placements, they learn how to apply theory in real settings. Important topics include human development, children’s play and its role in learning, the significance of the first 1000 days of life, and professional practice in early years environments. Students also develop academic skills and learn about multilingual practice in early years settings. In the second year, students deepen their knowledge through advanced study and practical experiences. They explore subjects such as language and literacy in the digital age, encouraging curiosity through science, mathematics, and outdoor learning, as well as leadership and teamwork in early years settings. The course also focuses on safeguarding, wellbeing, and research skills while incorporating insights from guest speakers and experts in the sector. In the final year, students apply their knowledge to complex issues in early childhood education and prepare for professional practice. They study inclusive leadership, sustainability in early years, supporting children with additional learning needs, early years curricula, quality management, and leadership skills in entrepreneurship.