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If you’re an experienced practitioner working with children from birth to seven years old in an early years setting, this degree will further your knowledge and skills. This degree will help you in preparing for the new Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) training routes. It’s recognised by the Childrens Workforce Development Council as meeting the requirements for an Early Years Sector-Endorsed Foundation Degree. The Scottish Social Services Council has included this degree in the list of approved qualifications for managers/lead practitioners in early years education and care. The Foundation Degree in Early Years is offered as the Diploma of Higher Education in Early Years for students living in Scotland.
You’ll build on your knowledge of children’s development and learning, as well as developing an understanding of policies and practice in early years settings. You’ll also learn professional, practical skills like planning, assessment and teamwork. And you’ll develop a range of study skills, enabling you to go on to further study if you wish.
On the way to this degree, you’ll also gain a Certificate in Early Years Practice (C37).
You can study for an unclassified bachelor of honours degree in Early Years which will enable you to access EYP training through our partner provider National Day Nurseries Association. You can also top this up to an honours degree in Childhood and Youth Studies (B23).
Below you will find supporting documentation relating to the Certificate in Early Years Practice (C37), the Foundation Degree in Early Years (G01), the Bachelor of Arts Early Years (B51) and Early Years Professional Status.
Award Guide - Foundation Degree in Early Years
Criminal Record Clearance for studying early years courses
Safeguarding children guidance for Early Years students and tutors
How to find information about tutoring at the OU
Certificate in Early Years Practice Frequently Asked Questions
E100 Permission Agreement Form
Working with Children in the Early Years (E123) course description
E123 Permission Agreement Form
Supporting Children's Learning in the Early Years (E124) course description
E124 Permission Agreement Form
Foundation Degree in Early Years Structure Diagram
Foundation Degree in Early Years Frequently Asked Questions
EZL100 - Self Assessment Questionnaire
EZL123 and EZL124 APEL Routes Frequently Asked Questions
Working with Children in the Early Years (APEL route) (EZL123) description
EZL123 - Self Assessment Questionnaire
EZL123 Permission Agreement Form
Supporting Children's Learning in the Early Years (APEL route) (EZL124)
EZL124 - Self Assessment Questionnaire
EZL124 Permission Agreement Form
Personal Professional Development (E115) course description
E115 Permission Agreement Form
E115 Confirmation Agreement Form
Extending Personal Professional Development (E215) course description
E215 Permission Agreement Form
E215 Confirmation Agreement Form
Diploma of Higher Education in Early Years Frequently Asked Questions
FDEY & BA (Honours) Early Years Structure Diagram
Important information for people studying B51 (Hons) & B23 in Scotland
Early Years Professional Status pathways offered by the Open University with the National Day Nurseries Association.
