England

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Accessibility statement
An image to illustrate Learning and teaching in the primary years module
This introductory module covers key themes in primary education, including children’s learning, inclusive education, play, creativity, home-school liaison, and the curriculum areas of English, mathematics, and science. You’ll also develop the knowledge and skills needed to work collaboratively and equitably in a range of settings. These include evaluating and communicating information effectively to others, using digital technologies for study, online collaboration and to support your continuing professional development, planning and managing time, identifying strengths and areas for development, and seeking and learning from feedback. It provides a strong foundation for further study and equips you for various roles within education.
You will develop your understanding of the ways in which teachers teach, the curriculum that guides children’s learning, the activities that children do, and professional decision-making in schools. The module will provide you with insights into approaches for supporting children's learning across the entire primary curriculum, including the importance of play, creativity, and talk. You will also focus on learning and teaching in the curriculum areas of English, maths and science.
Through studying the module, you will acquire:
If you are not currently working or volunteering in a school, we strongly recommend arranging between 5 and 10 days in a school for children aged 3–12. During this time, you should observe teaching and learning processes and gain exposure to a practical educational context. If you cannot visit a school, the module materials provide examples of children’s learning across a range of phases and contexts.
Note: Access to schools will require you to meet the ‘fit person’ criteria in your country to work with children. You and your setting are responsible for ensuring you meet these requirements, not the OU.
This module will provide you with a sound foundation for further study relevant to a range of roles relating to primary education. It is also relevant to other careers within childcare, health, education, playwork and working with families and young people. It will develop your understanding of practices and policies that affect children, and introduce you to a range of aspects relevant to education in the primary years.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
Print and online study materials, including 18 study topics presented in two books and online; interactive online tasks and materials; a website to structure and guide each week of study through resources including audio-visual material, an online module guide, online forums and the module Assessment Guide.
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
E103 is a compulsory module in our:
E103 is an option module in our:
Learning and teaching in the primary years (E103) starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2031.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
There are no formal academic or experiential requirements to study this module.
If you’re not sure you’re ready, talk to an adviser.
This module is suitable if you are based outside the UK, but if you are not already working or volunteering regularly in a school, we strongly recommend arranging time during the module in a school for children aged 3–12 (for example, in a voluntary capacity) to observe teaching and learning and gain exposure to a practice context.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying E103 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
StartEndRegister byEngland fee
03 Oct 202630 Jun 202710 Sep 2026£4,088
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Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
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