FDA Early Years Practice

For those qualifying at Level 3 prior to September 2014: At least two years recent and relevant experience working with children in either paid or voluntary employment. Evidence from employer or voluntary organisation of a recent, clear DBS check (i.e. completed in the 12 months prior to the start of the programme). A full level 3 in Early Education & Childcare or equivalent. A level 3 full and relevant qualification (as listed by the DfE) in Early Education & Childcare is needed to work within a nursery environment and also to be counted in ratio. A list of these full and relevant qualifications can be found at: http://www.education.gov.uk/eypqd/level5.shtml Please note that this Foundation Degree is not full & relevant. English GCSE at grade C or equivalents. (e.g. Level 2 key skills Communication, Level 2 Functional Skills.) Candidates without this qualification will be required to write a short essay at the time of interview to demonstrate the ability to understand and make use of written material and are able to communicate clearly and accurately in spoken and written English. A satisfactory reference from their employer or voluntary organisation, which indicates support for the student in undertaking the Foundation Degree and in providing a mentor to support the student with the work based learning. For those qualifying at Level 3 after September 2014: A level 3 qualification in Early Education and Childcare or equivalent. English GCSE at grade C or equivalents. (e.g. Level 2 key skills Communication, Level 2 Functional Skills.) Candidates without this qualification will be required to write a short essay at the time of interview to demonstrate the ability to understand and make use of written material and are able to communicate clearly and accurately in spoken and written English. Employed or working voluntary in the Early Years Sector. A satisfactory reference from their employer or voluntary organisation, which indicates support for the student in undertaking the Foundation Degree and in providing a mentor to support the student with the work based learning. A minimum of 96 UCAS points. N.B. For students whose education has not been in English, evidence will be required of proficiency in English. Typically, applicants will need to have achieved: Band 6.5 in the IELTS (International English Language Testing Scheme), and/or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 580 or above (completed within 2 years of date of application to the FdA).