Health & Wellbeing in Early Childhood with Foundation Year

During this module, you will develop knowledge and understanding of personal, social and emotional development of children aged 0-8 years. You will explore the cultural context, and the factors which can impact and shape young children’s personal, social and emotional development. You will be introduced to a range of theoretical approaches in order to appreciate that social and emotional development is complex and can be viewed from differing standpoints, including, sociological, psychological and physiological perspectives. Current research will be considered throughout the module, and its impact on our understanding of the emotional and social development of babies and young children will be evaluated. The holistic nature of development in these areas will be explored as well as the range of personal, family, community and cultural factors which impact on the child. Through this module you will further develop your graduate competencies. These include an understanding of children’s holistic development, focused on personal social and emotional development, and some aspects of neurological development; an understanding of attachment, and personal, social and emotional well-being; and knowledge of the differing theoretical perspectives when planning for children’s personal, social and emotional development, including the role of parents.

This module focuses on children’s early communication and language. Exploring the earliest influences on children’s language development, you will learn how children become confident and capable communicators drawing upon a range of developmental, sociological, and psychological theoretical perspectives. You will compare and contrast these perspectives against contemporary research to understand current views about how language develops in the early years. Sessions will also include the role of stories, songs and rhyme in early literacy, and the introduction of phonics. Whilst typical development will be the main focus of the module, children with English as an additional language and the needs of children with speech and language difficulties will also be considered. You will also explore a range of practical strategies to support early language and communication including treasure baskets, story sacks and picture books. Through developing your understanding of children’s early communication and language, you will develop your graduate competencies, including an understanding of children’s holistic development; the ability to listen and communicate with a range of children, including where children may have English as an additional language; and developing your understanding of language development into real world contexts through your placement.

This module is an introduction to theories and concepts across the disciplines of sociology and psychology that pertain to health and social care practice.

This module requires you to develop an understanding of the theoretical concepts that inform a variety of complex group and individual human behaviours.

The module provides a theoretical-conceptual social science framework within which health and social care issues can be analysed as social phenomena. The relationship between behavioural psychology and organisational behaviour will also be explored with particular focus and application to the Health and Social Care arena.

This module explores policy, provision, and practice both historically and currently, providing you with the opportunity to understand what shifts and shapes early years policy and the subsequent impact of policy on practice.

The module presents an historical overview of the development of early childhood provision using the lens of social and political discourse and, through an exploration of the work of key thinkers and philosophers who have influenced current policy and provision. The module includes a study of historical practice and provision for young children and covers the work of early social, educational and health reformers. You will also examine the work of more contemporary thinkers and will be introduced to some alternative education styles.

You will be encouraged to question underlying philosophies and the social and political motivations for shaping policy when creating provision for young children. You will be encouraged to reflect on your own personal philosophy and how this might have been influenced, and how this may subsequently influence your own practice.

During this module, you will have the opportunity to develop your graduate competencies with regards to your understanding of the relevant frameworks, and how these are applied to practice, as well as developing your understanding of policy.

This module will focus on practice issues in health and social care, ensuring you develop an understanding of important concepts such as multi-agency working and critical reflective practice.

The concept of assessments within health and social practice will be introduced. Awareness of personal, professional and ethical values are further explored within health and social care practice.

The first placement takes place during this module, and will enable you to experience health and social care practice, linking theory to practice. This will enable you to share your experience and knowledge with your peers.

This module is designed to explore diverse local and global perspectives of practice provision in field of Health and Social Care. This will incorporate a recognition of intercultural issues relevant to practice.

You will develop an appreciation of the importance of local and global public health and other policy initiatives around health and wellbeing. You will be encouraged to explore how these relate to contemporary Health and Social Care practice.

You will be supported to consider innovative ways of working to promote health and wellbeing within a changing global community.

This module will focus on professional practice in a domain of multi-agency and multi-disciplinary working. The complexities inherent in this work will be explored, ensuring consideration is given to professional and personal ethics and values. Leadership within the sector is examined, recognising differences, similarities and challenges across and within the sector.

The second placement takes place within this module, which provides the opportunity for you to enhance your knowledge and understanding of health and social care practice, and to build upon your portfolio of knowledge, skills and values. It also enables you to understand the direct and indirect relationships between your actual placement settings and the other agencies involved in the service users’ care.

This module introduces key concepts in Mental Health, Wellbeing and Resilience. The module encourages you to reflect on and challenge your own professional practice through critical personal reflection. You will define and interrogate key themes and concepts in Mental Wellbeing and Resilience.

You will then investigate how the intersection of ideas, practice and cultural change influences leaders and managers in professional contexts, institutions and systems.

The indicative content of this module focuses on defining and critically considers concepts such as anxiety, mood, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) etc and your impact from a service delivery and individual perspective. You will be encouraged to reflect on your own professional experiences.

In this module you will explore the concept of ‘childhood’ from philosophical, sociological and psychological perspectives. Common assumptions about children and childhood will be identified and you will consider how these perceptions are socially constructed according to historical time, place and culture, drawing upon the work of a range of philosophers and educational pioneers. Western perspectives of the child and childhood will be critiqued and contrasted with non-Western views and practices.

The module will explore some of the contemporary debates around children and childhood today and consider implications for practice in the early years.

In this module you will have the opportunity to develop your understanding of play and its value for babies and young children. You will explore current understandings and contemporary discourses around play such as concepts of ‘adult-led’ and ‘child-led’ play and you will be encouraged to evaluate current arguments about the role and function of both types of play especially in educational contexts.

Content will focus on linking theory to practice drawing upon your placement experiences and will address themes such as resilience and risk in outdoor play; the child’s right to play; and the place of play and creativity in policy. 

Become a champion for children’s safety and welfare. This essential module covers safeguarding principles, policies, and practices, ensuring you’re prepared to protect and advocate for vulnerable individuals in educational and care settings.

Dive into the world of educational research! This module introduces you to key research principles and skills, giving you the tools to investigate, analyse, and contribute to best practice in education and care.

This module brings together a range of theories, models and approaches that aim to identify and address the needs of service users and practitioners within Health and Social Care.

It will further develop the sociological and psychological theories covered earlier in the programme linking them to an area of your interest within Health and Social Care practice.

You will consider a holistic understanding of individuals’ expectations of the provision and delivery of Health and Social Care, from a local, national and global perspective. You will explore a range of strategies for managing service users’ expectations whilst appreciating the diversity of needs.

This module will develop knowledge and understanding of methods and practice in teaching and learning in the 0-8 age range. This will build on some of the models of child development first introduced at Level 4 with an emphasis on the role of the practitioner in supporting and extending learning.

You will be encouraged to critically reflect on the pedagogical underpinnings of the current Early Years curriculum and will be introduced to some of the more recent developments in developing children’s learning through the processes of deep learning, deep thinking, emotional satisfaction and engagement with others. The notion of creativity will be explored through an exploration of some of the more progressive views of early education and through an examination of alternative curricular such as Forest Schools, In the Moment Planning and The Curiosity Approach.

In addition to the traditional learning and teaching strategies of interactive lectures, seminars and discussions, this module will encourage you to reflect on ideas in relation to your experience of everyday practice. Through practical workshops you will explore aspects of an alternative curriculum in order to form your own ideas about provision in the early years.

Master the art of research design. This module provides hands-on experience in planning and conducting research, empowering you to make evidence-based decisions and drive positive change.

Discover the art and science of fostering positive behaviour in educational settings. This module empowers you with practical strategies and theoretical insights to create nurturing, supportive environments where every learner can thrive. Build your confidence in managing classrooms and promoting wellbeing for all.

Showcase your expertise with a capstone project. This module challenges you to integrate your learning, tackle real-world issues, and present solutions that make a lasting impact.

Become an inspiring leader in education. This module explores leadership styles, strategies, and skills to help you drive positive change and support continuous learning.

In this module you will reflect on the impact of change on the developing child, with a focus on the range of transitions which children experience from birth to 8 years.

The module will draw from research which argues that if a child is taught to cope with the expected changes that are anticipated through childhood, then they will develop better coping mechanisms when faced with unexpected changes. You will be encouraged to reflect on the changes experienced by children in a rapidly changing society and will examine some of the strategies which might be used to support children through these expected and unexpected changes. A key focus of this module will be that of the promotion of resilience, resourcefulness and reciprocity, and the role of the adult in fostering these in children in order to prepare them for a future of change and supporting more positive outcomes into adulthood.

Broaden your horizons with a global outlook on education. This module examines worldwide trends and future challenges, preparing you to innovate and lead in an ever-changing educational landscape.