Course description
Introduction
The University of Huddersfield is an approved provider for the Early Years Professional Status (EYPS). This is a new status for those wishing to lead practice in the early years sector (equivalent to Qualified Teacher Status). To become an Early Years Professional you must have EYPS. We offer this as part of a Postgraduate Diploma in Early Childhood Studies. You undertake academic modules leading to a postgraduate award alongside professional development in early years aimed at equipping you to:
-Support and mentor other practitioners.
-Act as a change agent in settings to improve practice in play, care and learning (birth-five).
-Lead practice across the Early Years Foundation Stage.
-Model skills and behaviours that safeguard and promote good outcomes for children.
-Be competent in the range of skills, knowledge and practice standards required for EYPS.
-Understand and deliver the activities and responsibilities expected of an EYP.
-Demonstrate how standards can be met in settings.
-Communicate and work in partnership with families, carers and other professionals.
Course Structure
You take four modules:
-An Introduction to Current Issues in Early Childhood Education
-Advanced Practitioner with EYPS
-Current Social and Policy Context: Children and Young People
-Introduction to Action Research in Teaching and Learning
-There are six and a half ‘Validation Days’ which involve preparation for assessment and the actual assessments. This is measured against the 39 Early Years Professional Standards covering the depth of knowledge and understanding in the subject areas and effective practice at all levels.
A significant part of the course is spent on placements in a range of appropriate early years settings such as day nurseries and children’s centres.
Teaching and Assessment
Teaching methods include tutor input, seminars, group work, reflective practice activities and tutorials. Assessment of academic work includes assignments, reports and presentations. Work-based training and development is undertaken through a number of placements. Internal and external assessment of professional development, demonstrating competencies against the 39 EYPS Standards, is a key element. Assessment methods include written tasks, role play scenarios, portfolio building and observations.
Career Opportunities
The Government aims to have Early Years Professionals (EYPs) in all Children’s Centres offering early years provision by 2010, and in every full daycare setting by 2015. In order to lead practice in any early years setting, you must have EYPS. You will gain experience of training in a number of settings and will emerge with a graduate level status in Early Years. The EYPS is a new status and will take time to become more widely-recognised and embedded at all levels of the early years sector. The Government is committed to ‘raising the standards and status of early years’ and successful completion of both the academic course and EYPS assessments will lead to a postgraduate award with EYPS.
Placement
Work-based learning and development is central to the EYPS training process. Mentors will be identified to support and guide you through the experience and help preparations for assessment.
You must undertake placements in at least two different settings. A significant part of the course is spent in work settings in order to provide the most extensive experience possible. We can support you to find appropriate settings either in Huddersfield or, where possible, near home.
