Early Years Care And Education at East Sussex College Hastings Station Plaza Campus

Cost�8250.00 Please contact us for more details
Duration30 weeks
DeliveryClassroom based
Start21 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime

About this course

FdA Early Years Care And Education Y1 (UEA) course in Hastings. Classes run at East Sussex College Hastings Station Plaza Campus. This Foundation Degree is for experienced practitioners working in early years settings or Reception classes, and for those progressing from a relevant Level 3 qualification. You'll study child development, language and literacy, safeguarding, and professional reflective practice, with assignments closely linked to your workplace. The course runs over 30 weeks, with attendance two evenings a week and seven Saturday workshops. FdA Early Years Care And Education Y1 (UEA) with certificate.

Who this course is for

The Foundation Degree in Early Years provides an opportunity for experienced practitioners working in Early years settings and Reception classes and students progressing from a relevant level 3 qualification to gain a professional and academic qualification which is recognised nationally and locally within the sector. Learning is supported through carefully planned assignments closely linked to daily practice. Attendance is 2 evenings a week and 7 Saturday workshops

Entry requirements

Minimum of 64 UCAS points (160 old system) from a BTEC Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma / A Levels / Foundation Diploma / Access Diploma in a related subject; if English is not your first language, an IELTS score of 6.5 with a 6 in writing; proof of qualifications; a satisfactory reference.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how children and young people learn and develop.
  • You'll study communication, language, and literacy development in early years contexts.
  • You'll examine pedagogical approaches and the role of the adult in children's learning.
  • You'll understand play as a developmental and learning process.
  • You'll develop knowledge of safeguarding, welfare, and wellbeing of young people.
  • You'll learn how to assess children's achievements effectively.
  • You'll engage with the role of families and communities in children's development.
  • You'll build professional reflective practice skills linked directly to your workplace.

How you will learn

You'll be assessed through a range of methods designed to suit different learning preferences. These include essays, reports, presentations, wall displays, and discussions. Assignments are closely linked to daily practice in your early years setting, so your learning connects directly to your work.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. East Sussex College Hastings Station Plaza Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery Practitioner: working directly with children in nursery settings.
  • Early Years Educator: supporting learning and development in EYFS settings.
  • Reception Class Teaching Assistant: supporting children in school Reception classes.
  • Room Leader: leading a room or age-group team in a nursery.
  • Family Support Worker: working with families and young children in community settings.
  • Children's Centre Worker: delivering early intervention and family programmes.

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies: a full honours degree for those wanting to deepen academic and professional knowledge in early years.
  • Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) routes: for those aiming to teach in primary or early years school settings.
  • Level 5 Leadership and Management in Childcare: for practitioners moving into senior or management roles in early years settings.