level 3 diploma or foundation degree?

[laurajane7]

Hi there

I've been childminding for almost a year now and am loving it.
I was a secondary school teacher for 4 years before this.
I am looking into training I can do to further my knowledge and for my CPD but am unsure which path to take. I've looked at the Level 3 diploma for children and young people workforce and the Foundation degree in early years - which one is best for me to do? I have all my GCSE's and A levels as well as a BA degree with QTS. However at the moment I only have mindees aged 5+, will this be a problem in terms of course requirements for working with early years? I have a 2 year old son and am pregnant with my 2nd (due in 3 weeks!) but I didn't think your own children would count.
Any advice would be much appreciated, thanks!!

Laura

[Smiley]

In my opinion, With your background I think it may be better for you to consider a foundation degree in early years. The age range it covers is usually 0-8. I started with OU and did a level 4 and eventually achieved BA (Hons) in early years.

[laurajane7]

Thank you.
I looked at the OU, how did you find it? I would prefer to do most of it from home which is what OU sounds like.
Did you get plenty of support from them?

Laura

[The Juggler]

i'd go for the FD however, the only thing I'd say is that you might not get on the FD for early years without the level 3 in early years (even with your QTS - as I presume yours is for children 11+). I think it will depend on what college you apply to.

Good luck!

[Smiley]

With the OU, as far as I know, unless the rules have changed it's not necessary to have a level 3 prior to embarking on their foundation degree.

I am a huge fan of distance learning, it worked for me as I needed to keep earning and childminding also met the requirements of needing to work with children whilst studying. There's lots of support, tutor group forums, course forums and some Saturday sessions ( not many) which aren't compulsory but some students like a bit of classroom based learning or at least e chance to meet the tutor and other students in the group. The course materials are very good, a mix of course books, study guides, audio and videos etc
Their website should give you all the information you need

[tulip0803]

I am looking at the FD at Glyndwr Uni by distance Glynd?r University - The Learning and Development of Babies and Young Children But probably not this year

A couple of other childminders on here have done theirs through Glyndwr and recommended (are now topping up)

They ask for a minimum level 3 qualification (does not have to be early years related just studied to that level) which you have surpassed, 2 years working with children and 10 hours employment/self employment

OU ask for a minimum of 6 months full-time working with young children or 1 year part-time

[laurajane7]

Thanks everyone, think I'll look into the OU foundation degree and see if I can go straight onto that.

[LauraS]

I am looking at the FD at Glyndwr Uni by distance Glynd?r University - The Learning and Development of Babies and Young Children But probably not this year A couple of other childminders on here have done theirs through Glyndwr and recommended (are now topping up) They ask for a minimum level 3 qualification (does not have to be early years related just studied to that level) which you have surpassed, 2 years working with children and 10 hours employment/self employment OU ask for a minimum of 6 months full-time working with young children or 1 year part-time

Just wanted to say thank you for this post. I have struggled to find a route into the foundation degree which suits my needs and having looked at Glyndwr's, I think I'm sorted. Have just finished my application. Thank you!!!

[manjay]

Just wanted to say thank you for this post. I have struggled to find a route into the foundation degree which suits my needs and having looked at Glyndwr's, I think I'm sorted. Have just finished my application. Thank you!!!

Great to see you are thinking about this too Tulip

I wholeheartedly recommend this course. I am just finishing my final dissertation to give me a BA Hons in Childhood Studies at Glyndwr and it was the perfect route for me whilst working full time.

Good luck Laura! Always here to help if anyone wants any support

[LauraS]

Great to see you are thinking about this too Tulip I wholeheartedly recommend this course. I am just finishing my final dissertation to give me a BA Hons in Childhood Studies at Glyndwr and it was the perfect route for me whilst working full time. Good luck Laura! Always here to help if anyone wants any support

The application is in, so fingers crossed

[LauraS]

Guess what??? I have a place starting in September! Yay!

Thanks Tulip and Manjay, soooooo excited now xxx