Studying with The Open University The Open University is the world’s leading provider of flexible, high quality distance learning. Innovative study materials enable students to experience an exceptional learning experience, and they can study in a flexible manner whether at home, at work or on the move. OU students are supported throughout their studies – they will be allocated a personal tutor who will guide and advise them, offer detailed feedback on their assignments, and help with any study issues. Tutorials might be in face-to-face groups, via online tutorials or by phone. Students can remain in employment whilst studying and they can gain a recognised professional qualification from a trusted academic institution that is known for its quality and standards. Throughout their OU studies, students get the opportunity to develop and enhance their skills, positively influencing practice with their colleagues and within their own settings. Fees for OU qualifications are highly competitive, with the option to pay in instalments. Many students are eligible to apply for student loans to fund the cost of their studies. The Open University is incorporated by Royal Charter (RC 000391), an exempt charity in England and Wales and a charity registered in Scotland (SC 038302). While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, the information in this publication may change in the light of altered regulations or policy or because of financial or other constraints. Find out more. www.openuniversity.co.uk/ug-educ EY_DL_v1.indd 1-3 Copyright © 2014 The Open University Images: Front cover image © FourNinety, inside image © John Birdsall. 12/03/2014 16:23:39 Diagram showing the structure of the Early Years qualifications. LEVEL 1 SCQF LEVEL 7 The early years: developing practice (E100) or EZL100 (APEL1 route) 60 credits For those working with children from birth to seven years. Choose from a wide range of modules and qualifications: • Certificate of Higher Education in Early Years Professional Practice LEVEL 2 SCQF LEVEL 8&9 Optional module* 60 credits Extending professional practice in the early years (E210) 60 credits Working together for children (KE312) 60 credits LEVEL 3 SCQF LEVEL 10 Professional qualifications in Early Years Professional Practice in the Early Years (E105) 60 credits Issues in research with children and young people (EK313) 60 credits • Foundation Degree in Early Years • Diploma of Higher Education in Childhood Practice (Scotland) • BA (Hons) Early Years Certificate in Early Years Practice 60 credits • Top-up BA (Hons) Early Years. All of the above qualifications are Open Entry, but pre-registration checks apply to certain modules. Entrants in England without a previously achieved Level 3 Early Years qualification to any of the above qualifications from September 2014 will additionally require GCSE passes at ‘C’ or above in English and Mathematics to enable their higher level qualification in Early Years to be considered ‘full and relevant’ for the purposes of registration and regulation and to be able to count in Level 3 ratios. Foundation Degree in Early Years or Diploma of Higher Education in Childhood Practice 240 credits BA Open Standard Pathway 300 credits BA (Hons) Early Years Standard Pathway 360 credits Notes • • • • • 1 EY_DL_v1.indd 4-6 Certificate of Higher Education in Early Years Professional Practice 120 credits E100 (or the APEL route EZL100) must be completed before undertaking E105. Optional modules at Level 2 include: *E212 Childhood or E214 Equality, participation and inclusion: learning from each other or E207 Subject knowledge and professional practice in primary schools or K218 Working with children, young people and families For those studying the DipHE CP in Scotland via the Standard Pathway, and planning to work towards the OU BA (Hons) Early Years or transferring to a BA Childhood Practice, K218 is the recommended option module as it most closely matches the Standard for Childhood Practice. For those studying the DipHE CP in Scotland via the HNC Pathway, K218 is a compulsory module at Level 2 (the HNC pathway is only a viable pathway for students who have studied UXC122 in October 2013 or earlier as it is not offered to students registered in October 2014 or later) You can study the OU Level 2 option module at the same time as E210, but you are strongly advised not to. You cannot study E210 before the OU Level 2 option module. APEL – accreditation of prior experiential learning 12/03/2014 16:23:41