Practical Vs Theory
Course overview
This Level 4 qualification aims to provide professional development opportunities for practitioners working in the early years workforce at Level 3. This qualification will embrace the wealth of experience of the Level 3 early years workforce, and challenge you in both your daily practice and theoretical understanding.
You will acquire and use skills of leadership, mentoring, coaching and reflection as you complete the qualification through work-based learning opportunities. Upon achievement of this qualification, you will be equipped as an Advanced Practitioner. The Advanced Practitioner will use crucial leadership skills to mentor others across all roles and responsibilities in the early years workforce.
What Does The Programme Include
You will benefit from bespoke delivery training in settings and have constant support from, and contact with, an expert assessor.
The areas of learning:
- Enabling children to learn.
- Promoting health and well-being through physical activity and nutrition co-ordination (PANCo) in the early years.
- Working with others to support children with additional needs, including Special Educational Needs and Disability.
- Working with families and other professionals in early years settings.
- Implementing change in an early years setting incorporating a small scale research project.
Entry Requirements
You must be qualified at a minimum Level 3 for at least 1 year.
How The Course Will Be Assessed
Assessment will be via observations, professional discussions and written work with one project.
Fees, Finance & Funding
£811
Advanced Learner Loans are available to support towards course fees, equipment, uniform, transport costs and some childcare funding.
You can apply if you are 24 years and over, or 19 years and over if you don’t already hold a Level 3 qualification. For more information on our Advanced Learner Loans please visist https://www.stamford.ac.uk/college-life/financial-support
Potential Future Career
On successful completion of the course you can progress on to a variety of job roles such as;
- Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo)
- Physical Activity and Nutrition Coordinator (PANCo)
Other opportunities include internal progression at a higher level, including those with management responsibilities and leadership, mentoring, supervision and management opportunities.
You could continue your study on to a Foundation Degree such as The Professional Studies Early Childhood Foundation Degree at University Centre Stamford.




Studying for my degree was the best thing I ever did. I have been appointed as an Outdoor Education Lead for a local school where I will build and implement a forest school education from scratch.