Course Overview
This part time Foundation Degree is designed for individuals passionate about supporting the learning and development of young children aged 0–8. It is ideal for both aspiring practitioners entering the Early Years sector and those already employed who wish to formalise and deepen their professional expertise. The programme offers two flexible study routes, full-time and part-time, making it accessible to a wide range of learners, including those balancing employment and study.
The programme aims to develop confident, work-ready graduates equipped with the academic knowledge, practical skills, and professional competencies required to thrive in Early Years settings. Students will explore key areas such as child development, safeguarding, inclusive pedagogy, and policy frameworks, while embedding the Graduate Practitioner Competencies standards throughout their learning. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, reflective practice, and effective communication, skills essential for multi-agency collaboration and leadership in the sector.
Distinctive features of the programme include:
• Flexible delivery: Full-time and part-time options with inclusive learning approaches tailored to student needs.
• Work-based learning: All students undertake a minimum of 10 hours per week in an Early Years setting, enabling direct application of theory to practice.
• Creative and academic assessment: A balanced mix of written and practical assessments, including presentations, portfolios, and reflective tasks aligned to workplace demands.
• Sector-informed design: Developed in consultation with students, employers, external examiners, and national benchmarks to ensure relevance and currency.
• Progression opportunities: Graduates can progress to the BA (Hons) in Young Children’s Learning and Development at Hull College or pursue related degrees such as Health and Social Care.
Students benefit from a supportive learning environment, experienced vocational tutors, and access to digital tools such as Canvas, Office 365. The programme encourages personal and professional growth through individual development plans, mentor engagement, and collaborative learning. By the end of Level 5, students will have built a professional portfolio evidencing their competencies, ready for employment or further study.
Entry Requirements:
64 UCAS points, IELTS Score: 6.5
Course Highlights
Validating Partners
This course is accredited by Hull College. It has been developed and quality assured by our experienced academic team, meeting rigorous standards to ensure a high-quality learning experience and a recognised higher education qualification.
The Foundation Degree in Young Children’s Learning and Development (YCLD) is built around a structured set of modules at Levels 4 and 5. Each module combines academic study with work based learning, ensuring students apply theory directly in practice. A minimum of 10 hours per week in an Ofsted registered early years setting is required, with mentor support embedded throughout.
Level 4 Modules
• Introduction to Academic Skills and Professional Conduct Safeguarding presentation and reflection tasks. Builds core HE skills (referencing, structuring assignments, presentations, reflection) and introduces the mentor handbook.
• Play Based Learning Explores play pioneers and the principles of play pedagogy. Students identify and develop provision within their setting.
• Children’s Health and Wellbeing Observation and fact file tasks. Focuses on holistic childhood development, especially physical health.
• Child Development Learning walk and essay. Examines cognitive, social, and emotional growth, with tutor visits to the workplace.
• Special Educational Needs Presentation and essay. Investigates inclusion strategies for children with learning difficulties or disabilities.
• Collaborative Practice Poster presentation and essay. Builds awareness of occupational practices and encourages networking within the children’s workforce.
Course Breakdown
Why Choose This Course
For the forthcoming academic year, the Foundation Degree in Young Children’s Learning and Development (YCLD) will undergo targeted updates to ensure alignment with current sector expectations. Module content will be revised to incorporate new national frameworks, guidance, and professional standards, with particular emphasis on the Early Childhood Studies Degree Network (ECSDN) and its Graduate Practitioner Competencies. These changes will strengthen the integration of theory and practice, ensuring students are equipped with the most relevant skills for the evolving early years workforce. Updates will also reflect feedback from external examiners, employers, and mentors, embedding contemporary research and policy developments into teaching and assessment. The blended learning model will continue, but modules will be adapted to enhance digital literacy and reflective practice, ensuring graduates remain work ready and prepared for progression to Level 6 study.
Progression & Next Steps
Graduates of the Foundation Degree in Young Children’s Learning and Development (YCLD) are well prepared for both further study and employment. Educationally, the primary progression route is the BA (Hons) Young Children’s Learning and Development Top Up at Hull College, where students continue to build advanced knowledge, research skills, and leadership competencies. Some graduates also progress into related vocational degrees such as Health and Social Care.
Employment destinations include roles across the early years sector: nurseries, primary schools, childminding, family hubs, and children’s centres. Graduates typically move into positions such as early years practitioners, SEN support workers, family support staff, or team leaders, with opportunities to advance into management. The programme’s emphasis on Graduate Practitioner Competencies ensures students are work ready, able to critically reflect, and equipped with transferable skills valued by employers.