Foundation Degree (FdA) Working with Children and Young People

The Foundation Degree (FdA) operates in partnership with local employers and combines academic knowledge and practical experience, to enable students to support children and young people. A range of themes are covered, including social policy, youth justice, and health and well being, delivered by highly experienced tutors.

Working in the sector offers an opportunity to make a positive impact on both individuals and the wider community, and as such can offer a rewarding career.

Whilst applications are considered on an individual basis, offers are usually based on a requirement to have:

64 UCAS points (those with 48 UCAS points will be considered for interview)
Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject
Other related level 3 qualifications
4 GCSEs at grade C (grade 4) or above, including maths and English
Access to Higher Education Diploma in a relevant area
Related work experience will be considered in the absence of level 3 equivalent qualifications.

Successful applicants must have 2 years experience of working with children and currently be working for a minimum of 2 days a week in an appropriate setting, paid or voluntary.

Students need a current enhanced DBS certificate, issued within 12 months of the start of the course. This may be applied and paid for at enrolment.

You will acquire knowledge and develop skills in areas and disciplines such as: child development, safeguarding, leadership and management, and teamwork.

A range of assessment methods are used including reports, essays, presentations, and portfolios. Typically, each module comprises one assessment, carefully designed to support and develop skills in independent thinking and learning.

Upon successful completion, students may apply for a place on the BA (Hons) Level 6 Top up Childhood Studies, studied at the University Centre, Stockport College. This is validated and awarded by Sheffield Hallam University. The Foundation Degree is often used by students to help them secure promotion or change career pathways.
Graduates have progressed to careers in management, SENDCo roles, pastoral work in educational settings, social care and community work, family outreach services, and youth justice work. Alternatives include progression to professional qualifications, leading to careers in teaching in primary, secondary, or further education.

Students are generally already in relevant employment, but many students use the Foundation Degree to help secure promotion, or to change career pathway. Previous graduates have progressed to careers in management, SENDCo roles, pastoral work in educational settings, social care and community work, family outreach services and youth justice work.
Graduates may pursue careers across a wide range of roles in the children and young people's sector, including:

Early years practitioner
Nursery manager
Teaching Assistant
Youth worker
Residential support worker
Support worker
Behaviour support worker
Learning mentor

At level 4 the following units will be studied:

The reflective student
Learning and development
The enabling practitioner in the 21st century
Working together
Effective teamwork
Specific needs

At level 5 the following units will be studied:

Safeguarding in practice
Leader and management
Key issues in the lives of children and young people
Research theory and practice
The critically reflective student
Social policy for children and young people

Sheffield Hallam University

As a full time student, you will attend one day per week, spend two days in an appropriate setting and use the remaining time for independent study.

2 years

At level 4 the following units will be studied:

The reflective student
Learning and development
The enabling practitioner in the 21st century
Working together
Effective teamwork
Specific needs

At level 5 the following units will be studied:

Safeguarding in practice
Leader and management
Key issues in the lives children and young people
Research theory and practice
The critically reflective student
Social policy for children and young people

For further information please email HEenquiries@tcg.ac.uk

Although every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained within this document is accurate, there may be changes to this programme and provision. We will endeavour to keep prospective and current students updated where appropriate and when the information becomes available.