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

CostFREE
Duration2 years
DeliveryClassroom based
Start14 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-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. This full-time, two-year course covers the care and education of children aged 0 to 8, developing your professional knowledge, skills, and practice across early years and family support settings. Two pathway options are available: one leads to Early Years Educator 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 practice. Entry requires a minimum of four GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above, evidence of Level 2 literacy, and 32 UCAS Tariff points.

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 understand child development across the early years age range.
  • You'll apply Early Years Educator standards in practice (Professional Practice pathway).
  • You'll complete 770 hours of supervised practice in an Ofsted registered setting (Professional Practice pathway).
  • You'll explore approaches to supporting families and children in a range of settings.
  • You'll build skills relevant to early years leadership and professional practice.
  • You'll examine policy, legislation, and frameworks that shape early years provision.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions at Heart of Worcestershire College, combined with substantial practice hours in an Ofsted registered early years setting. Assessment includes written assignments and evidence of professional practice. The course is structured to allow you to work while studying, particularly on the part-time route.

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: working with children aged 0 to 5 in nursery settings
  • Early years educator: qualified role counted in Ofsted staffing ratios
  • Room leader: leading a room within a nursery or pre-school
  • Family support worker: supporting children and families in community settings
  • Teaching assistant: supporting learning in primary school classrooms
  • Childminder: running your own registered childcare provision
  • Early intervention worker: supporting families through local authority services

What you could study next

With a Foundation Degree in Early Years: 0-8 qualification, you can progress to a full BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education or a related degree, often with a one-year top-up. You could also pursue a Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) route into primary teaching, or a Level 5 or Level 6 leadership qualification in early years management. Some graduates move into specialist roles in family support or SEND, supported by further professional qualifications.

Apply on howcollege.ac.uk →
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