Early Years Professional Status

Students undertaking the Early Years Professional Status course will take part in group discussions, prepare presentations and demonstrate their growing ability to reflect critically on their practice with children.

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Early Years Professional Status at University of Winchester

Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) is part of a government initiative to have trained Early Years Professionals at graduate level in every children’s centre and in every daycare setting by 2015. Those who successfully complete the programme will take responsibility for leading the new Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework for children.

Fact File

Entry requirements: A Foundation degree in a related subject. A GCSE in Maths and English Language at grade C or above (or equivalent qualification) is also required

All applicants need to complete a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check and Health Declaration and undergo an interview

Programme Leader: Jane Joyce
Telephone +44 (0) 1962 827471
Email Jane.Joyce@winchester.ac.uk

If English is not your first language: IELTS 6.5 (including 6.5 in academic writing) or a TOEFL score of 575 (paper-based) or 232 (computer-based) or equivalent

Start dates:
September

Application process: Direct Entry Application Form

Programme Content

The Long Pathway is for Foundation degree students who work with children in private, voluntary and independent (PVI) early year’s settings or children’s centres. This is a 15 month part-time course which enables students to top-up their qualification to a BA Early Years Practice degree
 
The pathway is supported by government funding for fees. There is also money available to help with supply cover for students following the Long Pathway who are working in PVI settings or children’s centres. There is some flexibility in the choice of modules and placements depending on previous experience and qualifications.

Modules

Modules and activities include:
• Care, Learning and Development of Very Young Children (0-3 years)
• Early Years Long EPD Professional Workplace Practice
• Placements to extend previous experience where necessary

 

Learning and Teaching

Students following the Long Pathway have either a University or workplace commitment each week, generally equivalent to one day each week in each semester. This enables students to attend placements on the weeks without teaching.

Students attend lectures, but they are also expected to read widely to inform class and group discussions, prepare presentations and demonstrate their growing ability to reflect critically on their practice with children. Tasks relating to their practical work with children, other staff and parents/carers also need to be completed.

Assessment

This is by a variety of methods including presentations, observations, activity plans and evaluations, assignments and projects. Ultimately all students progress to the Validation Pathway. This includes a national assessment process where students must be able to demonstrate that they can meet all 39 EYP Standards.

Careers

It is envisaged that EYPS will gain graduate employment opportunities to lead practice in a range of settings for children aged 0-5 within the private, voluntary and independent sectors or within children’s centres.