Practical Vs Theory
Course overview
This course will prepare you for further study at university, or employment working with children between birth and 7 years of age. You will study a range of units including the development, health and wellbeing of children, providing safe environments, play and learning, understanding additional needs, observation, assessment and planning.
Entry Requirements
5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, including maths and English language. Applicants who wish to progress to a career in primary teaching will also need a GCSE science grade at 4/C or above.
Need to re-sit? No problem. If you don’t achieve a Grade 4/C in GCSE maths or English, you’ll resit your exams with us and we’ll help you prepare.
Worried about your grades?
Whatever your results, we want to assure you that extenuating circumstances will be considered should you not have the grades indicated above.
We will review each application on a case-by-case basis to ensure you get a place on the course most suitable for you.
One of the ways we do this is through a very effective ‘6 weeks to success programme’ that operates from the first day you start your course. This includes support such as (but not limited to):
- Allowing you to change courses if you change your mind in the first 6 weeks
- Moving you between course levels if you are finding your current level too easy / too hard
- Incorporating English and maths GCSE resits in to your timetable if you don’t meet the grades you need
- One-to-one reviews with your academic tutor to ensure you are progressing and achieving well
Our course enquiries and admissions team are available remotely throughout this unprecedented period. They can be contacted at enquiries@stamford.ac.uk should you have any further questions.
Additional Information
You will need to have a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Certificate with no grounds that you are professionally unsuitable to undertake professional practice or placement. Application for a DBS is managed by the College and we will contact you with the forms and guidance you require to complete this before you are due to start your course.
Potential Future Career
On successful completion of this course, you can progress to university, or after gaining experience, the Foundation Degree in Professional Studies (Early Childhood) at University Centre Peterborough. You could also progress to careers in the Early Years sector as an Early Years Educator, Practitioner in nurseries, Practitioner in reception classes, Pre-School Worker, Nanny or a Home-based Child Carer.
Course Content
You will study the following units:
- Child Development
- Children’s Health and Wellbeing
- Providing Safe Environments for Children
- Child Health
- Play and Learning
- Understanding Children’s Additional Needs
- Observation, Assessment and Planning
- Supporting Emergent Literacy and Numeracy
- Preparing for School Readiness
- International Perspectives
- Reflective Practice for Professional Development
- Professional Partnerships in Early Years
- Professional Practice Portfolio




I’m now heading to Leeds Beckett University to study Primary Teaching as I’ve gained real experiences through work placements and practical modules to help me find the right career path.