Course Overview
Students have the choice of being taught remotely during the week and then in person on a Saturday morning or remotely with attendance in person 5 times a year.
This unique course has been developed in response to employer and students’ feedback and is a Level 6 Top Up Award for those working or volunteering with children aged 0 : 19 years in either early years, education, or health settings. The course aims to produce child centred graduates with the leadership skills, knowledge, confidence, and resilience needed to ensure effective child-centred professional practice and professionalism in the workplace.
This award is validated by The Open University.
Entry Requirements
Applicants will need to hold one of the following qualifications:
- Foundation Degree in Early Years OR
- Healthcare Play Specialism OR
- Level 5 qualification in a related field e.g. Education; Play Work; Youth Work or Health and Social Care.
Evidence of level 2 Literacy will also be required, for example key skills or functional skills at level 2 or GCSE English language at Grade C/4 or above. If applicants do not have evidence of Literacy at level 2, it will be necessary to complete a piece of writing to demonstrate competence in written English.
Other requirements
A current, clean DBS Check.
To be working in an appropriate setting with children aged between 0 : 19 years (either paid or voluntary) for at least 16 hours per week for the duration of the course.
In addition to the above all candidates are required to evidence suitability for the course (from either their work-based setting or where they volunteer) with a professional reference, confirming that the setting is fully supportive of completing the programme. Evidence of this is required with a signed agreement.
Applicants will also need to ensure that they have suitable IT equipment (eg. laptop or desktop computer), a quiet study space and internet access sufficient to run video conferencing software (Microsoft Teams and/or Google Classroom). Online learning protocols will be in place, so we urge applicants to consider the suitability of their home environment in advance and commit to setting time aside to actively engage with online taught content.
Acceptance onto the course is subject to interview.
What the course covers
The distinctive feature of this course is that there is a focus on developing resilience and confidence in students to support their transition from Level 5 to 6.
The course will be an excellent progression route into careers that require a post graduate qualification for example: Early Years Teacher Status or Qualified Teacher Status, PGCE; QTS & Masters.
Students will be advised at interview of the required prerequisite qualifications such as Maths, English and Science GCSE if this is their intended route.
The team responsible for delivering the programme have a broad range of expertise within the sector from working directly with children, performing at a senior management level, and influencing national policy and practice. As members of various national bodies (directly concerned with children) all teaching and learning is informed by current research and proven best practice.
The course runs for 30 weeks and all the modules are practice focused and designed to support critical reflection on professional practice and professionalism in the students’ respective fields.
Modules:
- Professionalism in context.
- Professionalism in the promotion of the health and wellbeing of children and young people.
- Professional development in transition skills and strategies.
- Professional Practice Enquiry
Learning is assessed via a mix of written submissions and presentations. There are no exams.
Students are typically taught in class sizes of 16 or fewer.
The full Programme Specification can be found here
The Open University Regulations for Validated Awards
Open University Students Guide
Fees and funding
Fees for Academic Year 2026/27
£7,900 (UK Students) (£8,400 International Students)
Concession: NO
Government Subsidised: NO
Student Loan Available: YES (This course qualifies for Tuition Fee loans only, helping you to graduate with significantly lower long-term debt.)
Fees are for 2026/27 entry and are for UK students of all ages. For more information about financial support for students, please click here.
Progression
The course will be an excellent progression route into careers that require a post graduate qualification, for example; Early Years Teacher status, Qualified Teacher status or PGCE.
Duration
30 weeks of teaching.
Hybrid: Students have the choice to engage remotely and then attend Saturday in person from 10am : 1pm.
Remote: Learners will need to attend in person for live group and individual presentations with attendance in person 4 times a year.
End Date: May 2027