Childrens Care, Learning and Development (Progression Route)

Program Description for Children's Care, Learning and Development (Progression Route) at University of Suffolk

The Children's Care, Learning and Development (Progression Route) programme at the University of Suffolk is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the core principles and practical skills required to work effectively within early years, childcare, and education settings. This course aims to prepare aspiring practitioners who are passionate about supporting children's development, learning, and well-being from birth through to the early years and beyond.

Throughout the programme, students will explore a wide range of topics including child development theories, safeguarding, inclusive practices, and effective communication with children and families. The curriculum integrates both academic study and practical experience, ensuring graduates are equipped with the confidence and competence needed to excel in diverse childcare environments. Students have opportunities to develop their skills through work placements, supervised training, and project work, enabling them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.

The programme emphasizes the importance of fostering a nurturing environment that promotes children's physical, emotional, and social development. Students will learn how to plan and implement engaging activities tailored to individual needs, ensuring that children receive personalized support that encourages their growth and exploration. Additionally, the course covers contemporary issues such as the impact of technology on early childhood, inclusion strategies for children with special educational needs, and the importance of promoting equality and diversity.

A key feature of this progression route is its focus on career development. Graduates will be well-prepared to undertake roles such as early years practitioner, nursery manager, childminder, or continue their studies at higher levels to specialise further. The programme also offers progression opportunities into related fields such as education, social work, and community development.

By choosing this programme, students will benefit from high-quality teaching delivered by experienced practitioners and academics committed to supporting their professional growth. The University of Suffolk’s modern campus facilities, dedicated learning spaces, and strong links with local childcare providers create an excellent environment for learning and professional networking.

Upon successful completion of the Children's Care, Learning and Development (Progression Route), graduates will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make a positive impact in the lives of children and families, shaping the future of early childhood education and care.

Detailed Course Facts

• EUR 9550 Year (EEA)
• EUR 12530 Year (Non-EEA)

UK/EU Fees Students starting at UCS from September 2012 will be charged £8000 for a full-time Bachelors degree or £7500 for a full-time Foundation degree. Tuition fees for full-time International Study: Classroom-based 10,500 GBP (£) Laboratory-based 12,600 GBP (£)

• English

Course Content

The areas of study include early years, care and education, children's services and play work.

This course is designed with the child care practitioner in mind. It has been shaped to combine studying while working in a busy childcare setting. At UCS Ipswich for example full-time first year Foundation degree students attend classes on Tuesday afternoons and evenings during school term time and part-time students on Tuesday evenings. This enables students to earn while they learn and maximise the amount of time spent at work. Second year Foundation degree students attend classes at UCS Ipswich on Thursdays.

Some modules have adopted a blended learning approach where students can access part of the module via the virtual learning environment supported by face-to-face group tutorial sessions.

Modules studied include:

• Personal Development
• Safeguarding Children
• Childrens Development
• Diversity and Rights
• Reflective Practice
• Collaborative Working
• Research for Continuing Professional Development
• Play and Wellbeing

The first year of study begins with a module entitled Personal Development which encourages students to reflect on their strengths and areas for further development. This is followed by modules such as Child Development, Safeguarding Children and Diversity and Rights which are centred very much on the child and adopt a child-centred philosophy. Finally students are required to reflect on their learning and progression by actively participating in a module called Reflective Practice.Students need to be highly motivated and well organised to time manage the demands of this programme.

The course makes strong links between theory and practice and as such, there are work based tasks that should be completed within their setting in order to underpin the theoretical aspects of the programme. All the modules are closely linked to the Childrens Workforce Development Council and parallel Every Child Matters.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 CAE score : 75(Grade B) TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test : 79

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

English language requirements

All students need to be able to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English. Students whose first language is not English will need to take a recognised English Language test in advance of commencing a course at UCS and before the Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS) letter is issued for visa purposes.
UCS accepts a range of English qualifications, with the following standards required:

IELTS (academic version): 6.0 for all degrees, apart from Diagnostic Radiography,Radiotherapy and Oncology, ODP and all Pre-Registration Nursing and Midwifery courses that require 7.0. Postgraduate courses generally require between 6.5 and 7.0.
TOEFL: 550 on paper-based test; 213 on computer-based test; or 79-80 on the internet-based test for all degrees
Pearson Test of English Academic - Minimum score of 50 is required
Cambridge Proficiency Certificate: Grade C; Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: Grade B
GCE O-level or GCSE English Language/Use of English: Grade C
Test in English for Educational Purposes (TEEP) International Baccalaureate English Grade B (standard level).
Hong Kong Certificate of English Education

Typical Offer:

BA (Hons): A Foundation degree (or equivalent)

Subject to satisfactory Criminal Records Bureau check.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Financing studies for the Children's Care, Learning and Development (Progression Route) program at the University of Suffolk encompass a range of options designed to support students financially throughout their studies. The university offers various funding mechanisms, including government-backed student loans available through the Student Loans Company (SLC), which cover tuition fees and may provide maintenance loans for living costs. Eligible students can apply for these loans via the Student Finance England portal, with eligibility criteria including residency status and prior study considerations.

In addition to government loans, the university provides access to scholarships and bursaries aimed at supporting students from diverse backgrounds. These include merit-based scholarships for academic achievement, need-based bursaries for students facing financial hardship, and specific funds targeted at supporting mature students, care leavers, or those pursuing careers in education and child development fields. Information about these bursaries is published on the university’s official website and often requires an application process, which might include submitting personal statements or demonstrating financial need.

Part-time work opportunities are also available to students, both on and off-campus, allowing them to supplement their income while studying. The university’s Careers Service provides guidance on local job opportunities, CV writing, and interview preparation, facilitating employment that fits around academic schedules.

For students studying on a tuition fee-funded programme, the university also offers payment plans which enable spreading the cost of tuition fees over manageable installments across the academic year. This scheme helps students budget more effectively and reduces upfront financial burdens.

Students enrolled in the Children's Care, Learning and Development program may also be eligible for specific grants from external organizations aligned with their career pathway, such as early childhood education foundations or social care trusts, which sometimes provide additional funding for placements or professional development.

Furthermore, the university supports access to alternative funding sources like charitable organizations and professional associations that offer grants or sponsorships to students committed to careers in children’s care and education.

Overall, financing for the program is designed to be as accessible as possible, combining government loans, university bursaries, external funding opportunities, and flexible payment arrangements to help students finance their studies and focus on their academic and professional development.

The Childrens Care, Learning and Development (Progression Route) program at the University of Suffolk is designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills necessary for a successful career in early childhood education and care. This progression route offers a detailed understanding of child development, learning theories, and the importance of play in fostering children's growth. The curriculum typically covers a wide range of topics, including safeguarding, child welfare, promoting inclusive practices, and working effectively with families and communities.

Students enrolled in this program benefit from a combination of academic coursework and practical placements, ensuring they gain real-world experience alongside theoretical knowledge. The program emphasizes the development of key skills such as communication, observation, and assessment, which are vital in early childhood settings. It also encourages critical thinking and research skills, enabling students to evaluate current practices and contribute to the ongoing improvement of care and education services for children.

The program is structured to support students at different stages of their career development, often offering pathways for progression into further study, such as a bachelor's degree in childhood studies or related fields. The university's strong links with local early years providers, schools, and childcare organizations provide valuable placement opportunities, allowing students to apply their learning in diverse settings. Support from dedicated academic staff and access to modern facilities help create a nurturing educational environment focused on professional growth.

Graduates of this program are well-prepared for roles such as childcare practitioners, early years educators, teaching assistants, or progression into specialized areas like special educational needs coordination or child psychology. The program also aligns with national professional standards, ensuring that students are workplace-ready and meet the requirements for registration with relevant professional bodies.

Overall, the Childrens Care, Learning and Development (Progression Route) at the University of Suffolk aims to develop confident, competent, and reflective practitioners who are passionate about working with children and supporting their development in safe and stimulating environments.