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Foundation Degree in Children’s Development and Learning in Slough

Cost£8,145.00
Duration36 weeks
DeliveryClassroom based
Start10 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
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About this course

Foundation Degree in Children's Development and Learning in Slough. Classes run at Slough and Langley College one day a week, alongside your existing role in an early years or education setting. This work-based foundation degree in children's development and learning is designed for practitioners already working with children up to the age of 18. You'll need to be in a relevant setting for at least 2.5 days a week. The course runs over 36 weeks. You'll need a Level 3 qualification in a related area, GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4 or above, and at least two years' experience in the children's workforce.

Who this course is for

This course enables you to develop the skills to progress in your career working with children, alongside your job. It is aimed at early years and education practitioners who are working with children up to the age of 18 and requires you to be released from your setting to attend Slough & Langley College for up to one day a week. This vocational award is a work-based course, and your assignments and lessons are all designed to benefit your professional development. You'll build upon your experience through modules in areas such as child development, safeguarding, creativity and critical thinking, and working in partnership with parents. College sessions include lectures, as well as tutorials and seminars. The course also incorporates a great deal of group work, which will be an opportunity to share experiences with fellow professionals working in a range of settings.

Entry requirements

You must be working at least 2.5 days a week in a relevant education or care setting, and are normally expected to have obtained: An NQF Level 3 qualification in a work-related area GCSE English Language at a grade C (grade 4) or above GCSE Maths at a grade C (grade 4) or above At least 2 years’ experience of working within the Children’s Workforce Any candidate who does not fully meet the entry criteria is invited to submit their application, considered on a case-by-case basis.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop your understanding of how children and young people learn and develop.
  • You'll explore theories of child development and how they apply in practice.
  • You'll build knowledge of safeguarding, welfare, and professional responsibilities.
  • You'll examine inclusive practice and how to support children with additional needs.
  • You'll strengthen your ability to reflect critically on your own professional practice.
  • You'll study the policy and legislative frameworks that shape early years and education settings.

How you will learn

Learning combines one day a week of classroom-based study at Slough and Langley College with work-based assignments carried out in your setting. Assessment is through written assignments and professional practice tasks, all designed around your day-to-day work with children. Your lessons and coursework are linked directly to your professional role.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Slough and Langley College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Room leader or senior practitioner: leading a room or age-group in a nursery setting
  • Early years educator: working with children from birth to five in a nursery or pre-school
  • Teaching assistant: supporting learning in a primary or secondary school
  • SENCO support worker: assisting the special educational needs coordinator in a school
  • Family support worker: working with children and families in a community or local authority role
  • Children's centre worker: delivering programmes for young children and their families
  • Playwork practitioner: leading play-based activities in out-of-school or holiday settings

What you could study next

A Foundation Degree is equivalent to the first two years of a full Honours Degree. You could progress to a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies or Education to complete a full undergraduate degree. From there, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) would qualify you to teach in schools. Some practitioners go on to study for a Level 5 or Level 6 leadership qualification to move into management roles within early years or education settings.

Apply on windsor-forest.ac.uk →
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