Career in Health & Social Care

Early Childhood Studies - Foundation Degree

Develop specialist skills in the early childhood studies sector

The Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies is designed for individuals who are already working in early years settings, either in a paid or voluntary role.

This course develops your understanding of the theoretical principles and contemporary issues that shape early years practice, helping you build confidence and apply learning directly to your professional setting.

What you’ll learn

You’ll explore how wider social, political and economic factors influence the care, learning and development of young children, strengthening both your academic knowledge and practical insight.

Career development

The programme supports progression into a range of early years and family‑focused roles, including:

  • Early Years Practitioner
  • Room Leader
  • SENCO
  • Early Years Community Connector
  • Family Hub Support Worker

With experience, this can lead to supervisory or management positions within the sector.

Work‑based learning

Employment or placement is a mandatory part of the course, allowing you to:

  • Apply theory and concepts in real working environments
  • Reflect on professional practice
  • Develop confidence and sector‑relevant skills

Learning at Blackpool and The Fylde College

At Blackpool and The Fylde College, we are committed to delivering a responsive, employment‑focused curriculum. This course is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for future success in both work and life.

Before applying, please check whether you meet the entry requirements under 'Key Information' for this course. Don't hesitate to call us on 01253 504343 if you need assistance.

  • £37,100 average annual salary
  • Rapid progression to Senior Management and Consultancy roles
  • 59,103 annual job openings in the North West

Entry Requirements

  • A minimum of 48 UCAS points from L3 qualification in Early Years
  • Work placement in relevant sector required
  • English GCSE grade 4/C or above or functional skills at level 2
  • Letter of support from employer confirming work experience and 12 months hands on experience in the workplace with children
  • Must hold a current DBS
  • Course code SM1HE133
  • UCAS code L520
  • Duration 2 Years
  • Day/s of week Thursday
  • Time 09:15 - 16:45

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
07 Sep 2026
University Centre
2 Years
13 Sep 2027
University Centre
2 Years

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

A qualification in Early Childhood Studies opens up a wide range of career opportunities working with young children and families. As your knowledge, experience and confidence grow, you can progress into more specialist, supervisory or leadership roles across early years, education, health and community‑based services, supporting children’s development at every stage.

Next steps at B&FC

If you successfully complete the foundation degree, you have the option to progress onto our Early Childhood Studies - BA Hons Topup.

Other study options

You can progress directly into employment with several career pathways available, many in supervisory or senior roles. These include:

Senior Early Years Practitioner | Room Leader | Deputy Nursery Manager | Children's Centre Lead Practitioner | Health Visitor Support Assistant | Teaching Assistant (Up to Key Stage 2) | Foundation Stage Teaching Assistant | Childminder | Council Development Worker

Career Options and Progression

If you successfully complete the foundation degree, you have the option to progress onto our Early Childhood Studies - BA Hons Topup.

Alternatively, you can progress directly into employment with several career pathways available, many in supervisory or senior roles. These include:

  • Senior Early Years Practitioner
  • Room Leader
  • Deputy Nursery Manager
  • Children's Centre Lead Practitioner
  • Health Visitor Support Assistant
  • Teaching Assistant (Up to Key Stage 2)
  • Foundation Stage Teaching Assistant
  • Childminder
  • Council Development Worker

Key information

Qualification obtained

FdA Early Childhood Studies

Fees and funding

Visit our Tuition Fees page and Financial Support for Degrees page for more information about fees and funding.

Extra costs and equipment

There are no additional costs associated with the programme although a laptop is recommended to support your studies.  You may be required to pay for a DBS where you secure a voluntary or paid employment.

All core texts are available in the LRC along with IT support.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: Lancaster University

Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)

Terms and conditions

Please visit our Student Terms and Conditions page for more information.

What will I learn?

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

This is covered in the mandatory voluntary or employed hours in the sector as indicated in the Entry Requirements.

  • Modules at level 4

    Module title Code Credits Optional
    The History of Early Education from Pioneers to Contemporary Practice SM4MD180 20 No
    Applying and Reflecting on the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stages Eyfs SM4MD181 20 No
    Safeguarding in the Early Years SM4MD182 20 No
    Challenging Inequalities in Childrens Lives SM4MD183 20 No
    Sustainability Education and Action for Change SM4MD184 20 No
    Academic Skills in Health and Education SM4MD203 20 No

  • Modules at level 5

    Module title Code Credits Optional
    Work Based Learning SM5MD238 20 No
    Critical Issues in Early Childhood Health SM5MD239 20 No
    Working with Families a Multi Agency Approach SM5MD240 20 No
    Child Development and Early Years Practice SM5MD241 20 No
    Developing Skills and Strategies for Managing Childrens Behaviour SM5MD242 20 No
    Social Policy SM5MD243 20 No

Learning Support - at a glance

  • Higher Education Learning Mentors (HELMs)
  • One-to-one and group learning support sessions
  • Pre-degree preparation workshops
  • IT Support
Discover available Learning Support

Programme Specification

Download our Programme Specification for this course.

Tutor Profile - Francoise Peill

Area of Expertise:
Early Years, Children and Families, Safeguarding and Multi-disciplinary Working, Child Health and Wellbeing, Third Sector Strategic Management.

Enjoys teaching at B&FC because:
Education has the power to change lives and transform local communities and it's amazing when you encounter this life-changing effect within your own classroom.

Young people
Careers in Learning Support & Teaching
Careers in Learning Support & Teaching
Young people Careers in Learning Support & Teaching Careers in Learning Support & Teaching
Young people
Careers in Learning Support & Teaching
Careers in Learning Support & Teaching

How will I learn?

Teaching is delivered through a blend of face‑to‑face and online learning, designed to fit around work and other commitments.

You’ll take part in a range of learning activities, including:

  • Lectures, seminars and practical workshops
  • Live presentations and group discussions
  • Online learning, including:
    • Tutor‑led and self‑assessment revision tests
    • Formative exercises
    • Digital lecture materials (e.g. PowerPoint and learning software)
    • Online learning portals and linked resources
  • A work‑based learning project, allowing you to apply theory in practice

Support for your studies

You’ll receive regular one‑to‑one support, with individual sessions built into each module to help you stay on track and develop your confidence.

Additional academic support and careers guidance is available through our Partners for Success team.

Study commitment

A typical weekly workload includes:

  • One day per week on campus, with:
    • Two taught sessions per day
    • Group and individual progress tutorials
  • Around 10 hours of independent study per module per week, including:
    • Reading
    • Planning
    • Written work

Expert tutors

You will be taught by a range of expert tutors who have a wealth of experience and a wide range of qualifications that relate to the Early Childhood sector.

Learning Methods

Learning Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Scheduled 258 245 0
Independent 937 921 0
Placement 0 30 0
Total 1195 1196 0
Ready to take the next step? Navigate to the top of the page and click Apply Now to continue your degree-level journey.

Not the course for you?

Take a look at some of our other degree-level study options and see what sparks your imagination.

  • Early Childhood Studies - Certificate of Higher Education

    View course

  • Children, Young People and Families - Certificate of Higher Education

    View course

  • Early Years Lead Practitioner - Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship

    View course

How will I be assessed?

Assessment Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Coursework 52% 70% 0%
Exam 0% 0% 0%
Practical 48% 30% 0%