Module: ECS5003-20 Early Childhood Pedagogue

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Claire Fletcher

Module Tutor Contact Details: c.fletcher@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module builds upon underpinning knowledge from previous modules and the Professional Practice in an Early Childhood Setting module in semester one. This module further develops your professional practice and will contribute towards you successfully meeting the ‘full and relevant’ criteria with regards to staff:child ratios as well as contributing to the graduate practitioner opportunities.

It aims to increase your understanding of the role and responsibilities of a practitioner in an early childhood setting and will further your critical evaluation of the theory of play, pedagogy and learning as it applies to babies and young children. You will work in a team of other professionals and have an opportunity to broaden your perspectives and position on an enabling environment for children and babies and use justified principles for practice to plan for their development and learning.

You will consider what it means to behave ethically whilst observing young children and demonstrate an ethical stance whilst present or engaging with children in their encounters and enquires. You will develop your understanding of early childhood pedagogy and what it means to be a reflective practitioner.

You will have an opportunity to implement the EYFS in an early childhood setting. During your placement this year you will be assessed against nationally required criteria as outlined in the QAA benchmarks.

You must be in possession of a current DBS certificate in order to take this module. Placements are organised by the School of Education Partnership Office. You should be prepared to travel up to one hour by public transport to reach your assigned school where you will be encouraged to take an active role in the life of the classroom working alongside teachers and children. Observation, recording and reflection skills are taught in the seminars to enable you to benefit fully from these visits.

2.Outline syllabus

The module is based primarily in placement with two sessions before the placement starts, and one at the end of the module.

During these sessions we will discuss theories of play and learning, pedagogical approaches to early years practice, planning and teaching as it applies to young children, a safe but challenging environment, the principles and challenges of early years practice and observation and assessment of young children.

3.Teaching and learning activities

There will be 3 taught sessions - two before placement and one on return – which will be a chance to reflect on your experiences and prepare the assignment.

During your placement you will be visited twice by University tutors who will assess your progress and discuss with you what you need to do to develop your practice. These professional dialogues will be part of the placement visit.

You will have an opportunity to discuss with other professionals in the setting the development and planning of children’s play and learning.

During the placement there will be focused tasks to complete before the tutor visit. Your practice will be assessed against nationally required criteria.

The final assignment will consist of a reflective portfolio.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Practice assessment 

• % Weighting: (Pass/Fail)

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Placement Report

• % Weighting: (Pass/Fail)

Assessment Item 3:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Reflective portfolio (5000 words)

• % Weighting: 100%