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Free Foundation Degree in Early Years 0 to 8 in Worcester – Heart of Worcestershire College – Part-time

CostFREE
Duration3 years
DeliveryClassroom based
Start14 Sep 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
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About this course

Free Foundation Degree in Early Years: 0-8 in Worcester. Classes run at Heart of Worcestershire College. The course runs part-time over three years, with daytime classes designed to fit around work and other commitments. There are two pathways: one leads to Early Years Educator (EYE) status recognised by the DfE, including 770 hours of practice in an Ofsted-registered setting; the other is for those who already hold Level 3 Full and Relevant status and want to extend their professional practice. Both develop your knowledge and skills across care, education, and family support for children aged 0 to 8.

Who this course is for

Are you passionate about the care and education of children or do you aspire to support children and families?, , The Foundation Degree in Early Years is offered as a Full-time two-year course or a Part-time three year course and is designed to allow you to work while studying. It enables you to develop your professional knowledge, skills and attributes to enhance your career options in the early years or family support sector., , The Foundation Degree in Early Years course has, two pathway opti

Entry requirements

� Mature applicants are welcome to apply for non-standard entry., � Minimum of four GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above or alternative qualifications., � Evidence of Level 2 Literacy, for example key skills / Functional Skills at Level 2 or GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above. Non-standard entry also possible., � 32 UCAS Tariff points: Acceptable qualifications include a minimum of 1 A Level or an equivalent Level 3 qualification, for example the CACHE Diploma or Edexcel BTEC National Diploma in

What you will learn

  • You'll develop professional knowledge and skills in the care and education of children aged 0 to 8.
  • You'll study child development and how to support children's learning across the early years.
  • You'll build understanding of safeguarding, welfare, and working within Ofsted-registered settings.
  • You'll complete 770 hours of practice in an early years setting (Professional Practice pathway).
  • You'll explore how to support families and work within the family support sector.
  • You'll develop skills in reflective professional practice and evidence-based approaches to early years work.

How you will learn

You'll attend classroom-based sessions at Heart of Worcestershire College alongside practical placement hours in an early years setting. Assessment includes written assignments and evidence of professional practice. The course is structured to allow you to work while you study, with part-time daytime attendance across three years.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Heart of Worcestershire College will confirm anything else you need before you start. Please note there may be additional charges for textbooks, trips, registration, and assignment fees.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery Practitioner: work in an Ofsted-registered nursery or pre-school setting.
  • Early Years Educator: qualified role counted in statutory staff-to-child ratios.
  • Room Leader: lead a room within a nursery or early years setting.
  • Family Support Worker: work with children and families in community settings.
  • Teaching Assistant (Early Years): support learning in Reception or Key Stage 1.
  • Childminder: run your own registered childminding provision.

What you could study next

With a Foundation Degree in Early Years: 0-8 qualification, you could progress to a full BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education or a related degree through a top-up year at university. You could also pursue Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) through a Primary PGCE if you want to move into primary school teaching. Those working in leadership roles may consider a Level 5 or Level 6 management qualification in education or childcare.

Apply on howcollege.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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