The BA (Hons) Education and Early Childhood studies Top Up is a programme with three distinct pathways that students who have completed a relevant FdA can progress onto in order to gain a full degree.

This is for students who have already gained a ‘licence to practice’ at level 3. The Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies pathway is aimed at students wishing to study early years education entering the programme without a level 3 qualification to ensure they are full and relevant upon completion, and the Learning Support pathway is aimed at Teaching Assistants, to enable them to apply for the higher-level paid jobs whilst developing their confidence to eventually apply for Teacher Training on completion of a Top Up programme. Incorporating distinct pathways such as Early Years Educator, Graduate Practitioner Competencies, and Learning Support into the FdA in Education and Early Childhood Studies is essential for several reasons:

This pathway addresses the critical need for qualified professionals who can provide high-quality care and education to young children. It ensures that students gain specialised knowledge and skills to support early childhood development effectively. By focusing on the unique needs of young learners, this pathway prepares graduates to create nurturing and stimulating environments that promote holistic growth. This pathway enhances the professionalism and employability of graduates by embedding key competencies into the curriculum. By mastering these areas, graduates are better equipped to meet the demands of the early childhood sector and contribute to best practices in their field.