Highlighting the value of early childhood studies
Education lecturers at the University of Wolverhampton have been working in collaboration with national educational awarding body NCFE to highlight the importance of degrees in early childhood studies.
Dr Faye Stanley, Helen Pietragallo, Selena Hall from the University’s School of Education starred in a webinar hosted by NCFE about the value of the early childhood studies’ graduate competencies at the University of Wolverhampton.
The team highlighted the benefits of the qualification discussing how it enhances the identity of the early years’ workforce and strengthens the professional practice aspect of early years degree programmes across the UK.
The Early Childhood Graduate Competencies are:
- Advocating for young children’s rights and participation
- Promoting holistic child development
- Working directly with young children, families and colleagues to promote health, well-being, safety and nurturing care
- Observing, listening and planning for young children to support their well-being, early learning, progression and transitions
- Safeguarding and child protection
- Inclusive practice
- Partnership with parents and caregivers
- Collaborating with others
- Professional Development
Early Childhood Studies with Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies was introduced in 2018 by the Early Childhood Studies Degree Network (ECSDN) and the University of Wolverhampton was one of the first three universities to offer students the opportunity to work towards the new status.
Dr Faye Stanley, Head of Early Childhood, Young People and Developing Professional Practice at the University of Wolverhampton said: “Collaborative working with NCFE allows us to provide a bespoke learning experience on the BA Hons Early Childhood Studies course.
“This enables us to have an insight into what prior learning experiences students have had at Level 3 before progression into higher education.
“Individualised learning through a strength-based approach supports our ethos and values and coincides with our early childhood studies course spiral curriculum building on students’ knowledge, understanding and skills at each level of their study.
“Therefore, it is imperative that sector-related qualifications our students may have completed prior to studying with us, enables us to offer a pathway of study that enriches and builds on their previous experiences.
“Here at the University, our early childhood studies students and staff want to make a real difference to the early childhood sector and this is embedded in our degree through our work with the Early Childhood Studies Degree Network and NCFE.
“Thanks to this fantastic collaboration, we have been able to provide our students with the opportunity to engage with professional practice which is a significant contribution to their professional development."
The webinar has been published as part of their careers toolkit to inspire the next generation of childcare and education workers.
Anyone looking to study at the University of Wolverhampton should register for one of our forthcoming Open Days.
For more information contact the Corporate Communications Team comms@wlv.ac.uk.
For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.