The course provides an ideal opportunity to study for a degree alongside working in childcare, whether that is in an early-years setting, or at a school. The course is work-based and lessons and assessments are all designed to benefit your professional development.
Awarding body
Course overview
Application codes
Course Code
CC/P/PH001
Institution Code
R12
Date, fees & location
Start date
September 2025
Location
Bracknell and Wokingham College
Fees
Home/International* Fee for September 2025 entry: £7,900 per year
Timetable
Duration
2 Years
Study mode
Full-Time
Delivery
On Campus
Award
Course award
On successful completion, you will be awarded a Foundation Degree in Children's Development & Learning from University of Reading
Year 1 (Level 4)
Core modules:
- Theories of Development and Learning
- Professional Skills
- The Child in Society (1)
- Working in Partnerships with Parents
- Learning Spaces
Year 2 (Level 5)
Core modules:
- Practitioner Research
- The Child in Society (2)
- Creativity and Critical Thinking
- Supporting Development and Learning for 0–11 years
Optional modules:
- International Perspectives
- Leadership in the Children’s Workforce
Modules are subject to change but will be confirmed at the point of enrolment.
This is a full-time course delivered over two years.
Teaching & Assessment
The course is assessed through on-going assessment including essays, reports, presentations, and an electronic portfolio. There are no exams on the Foundation Degree. As this is a work-based degree you will be assessed by your mentor in your workplace through Guided Professional Discussions. You and your mentor will be fully supported by your college Link Tutor.
This full-time programme requires significant independent study to support learning and so students should expect to spend approximately 10-15 hrs per week on independent study.
Support
You will have a range of support made available to you, including academic and pastoral support, learning support and access to additional support funds (if eligible). Please see our Support Pages for further information.
Additional study support
Whether you have a recognised disability, specific learning difficulty, or not, you will be eligible to access additional learning support in all the following areas:
- assistive software training
- IT upskilling
- essay planning and structure
- Proof reading and editing written work
- bibliographies and referencing
- time management and personal organisation
- revision and exam tips
- presentation techniques
How to apply
If you have a Student visa, please book a call to discuss your options.
Applicants should apply online through the Activate Learning website.
If you are interested in this course and would like an informal, no-obligation chat about the details of the course, how to sign up, or anything else you’d like to know, please get in touch and we’d be happy to help!
Entry Requirements
- GCSE: English Language at grade C (or 4) or Level 2 equivalent.
- Additionally, students will normally have achieved: an NQF Level 3 qualification in a work-related area or equivalent, GCSE Mathematics at grade C (or 4) or Level 2 equivalent.
- Students must be in relevant employment, working or volunteering with children between the ages of 0-11 for a minimum of two and a half days per week, a reference from the setting that supports your application is requested prior to interview. Students usually work in early years, primary or SEN settings.
- At least two years’ experience (which may include voluntary work and/or a placement completed as part of a vocational qualification) of working directly with children within the Children’s Workforce, for example, in a registered early year’s setting or in a school as a teaching assistant.
All applicants will be invited for interview as part of the application process.
Please note:
Any applicant who does not fully meet the entry criteria (e.g. who does not have maths GCSE, a Level 3 vocational qualification, or the specified amount of full-time work experience, but may have significant part-time work placement and/or volunteering experience and be able to demonstrate their ability to produce written work that meets the required level) is encouraged to submit their application, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
You will need to be working in a registered early year’s setting or school and have access to a mentor from your place of work.
Careers
Students who successfully complete the Foundation Degree in Children’s Development and Learning have a priority place when they apply to top up to a full BA (Hons) degree in Children’s Development and Learning at the University of Reading.
Students who have completed the one-year BA in Children’s Development and Learning often go on to undertake a teaching qualification, including an Early Years Teacher qualification and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
After you complete
Course award
On successful completion, you will be awarded a Foundation Degree in Children’s Development & Learning from University of Reading
Ready to start your application?
Apply now
Fees
Fee Breakdown
Home/International* Fee for September 2025 entry: £7,900 per year
Please note:
Tuition fees are published for the first year of entry only and may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by the Office for Students.
*Fee information for European Union (EU) students: If your course starts on or after the 1st August 2021, you will no longer be eligible for financial support from Student Finance England unless you meet one of the following criteria:
- you are able to benefit from the citizens’ rights agreements
- you are an Irish national living in the UK or Republic of Ireland – benefits of Irish nationals under Common Travel Area guidance arrangement will continue
Additional costs include:
Students are advised that they will need access to a laptop or PC.
We recommend that you budget £100 a year additional costs such as for stationary to undertake your studies. You can borrow textbooks and access journals from the recommended reading lists are available from the Learning Resource Centre. If you choose to purchase textbooks, they may cost up to £60 each.
