Guest Posted March 28, 2004 Posted March 28, 2004 Hello all, Bit of a novice in this area so forgive me. I have read a few bits on the forum but need an idiots guide on what is the best route. (I have no idea what all the initials stand for either!!) I have my NNEB and a NVQ 3 in Childcare (got to do both at the same time ~ lucky me!!) I also have an NVQ 3 in Management and now have over 6 years experience. My question is what next? I'd like to extend my knowledge but am not sure what is best. I have heard of the ADCE (not sure what it stands for) and Foundation Degrees, etc, Which is best for me to do? I want to go further but am not sure what I want to do eventually. I have gone into management but would like to keep my options open. Is it worth going to a Careers advisor or is it too specialised for them? Any help or lists of what is available or even someone in a similar position will help. Many thanks Liz Can anyone shed some light on the subject in simple English please!!
Guest Posted March 29, 2004 Posted March 29, 2004 hi liz, i am in the same postion.i would also like to extend my knowledge further .(maybe just to further my understanding rather than my career) it would be really interesting to hear about any courses/qualifications that people have done,were they worthwhile and where has it taken them job wise. lets hope someone has some interesting stories to tell!! happy list hunting ! maddy
AnonyMouse_64 Posted March 30, 2004 Posted March 30, 2004 I'm not going to be much help either. I'm currently working towards my NVQ3 and people keep asking me what I'm going to do when it's completed. I have no idea what all these other qualifications and initials are either so haven't got a clue as to what would be the next sensible step. Hope some of you out there can shed some light!
Guest Posted March 30, 2004 Posted March 30, 2004 Hi, I did an Advanced Diploma in Childcare and Education (ADCE) The course is awarded by CACHE. It is worth 120 cats points (1st year of a degree) which you can swap in towards a degree. It used to be called the DPQS. As far as NVQ levels goes, it is not tecnically recognised as a level 4 qualification, although if you look on the qca qualifications site they are currently applying for it to be recognised as level 4. When I did the course is was hinted at it being level 4 equivelent. You can choose your modules, and have to do a compulsory dissertation at the end. I'm still hoping to do futher study and do a complete degree in pimary education. I don't know much about the foundation degree, I'm sure someone could help you there. Any more questions I'll be happy to help. Jo
AnonyMouse_75 Posted March 30, 2004 Posted March 30, 2004 Hi Dreean Im studying a HND in early childhood studies it sounds the same as the ADCE or a foundation degree the one difference seems to be and I feel its unfair (the ADCE is supose to be equivalent?) but the foundation degree and the HND only needs one year top up to make it a Dgree whereas the ADCE takes two years Im hearing mixed responces about the ADCE not about the course but the recognision afterwards, one of our tutors at college has worked in nurseries for several years and she did the ADCE and found it didnt open any doors for her. good luck on your quest for further knowledge I am really enjoying the challenge
Guest Posted March 31, 2004 Posted March 31, 2004 Thanks for all the replies!! Can anyone shed any more light in what is involved in these courses. Like what modules you complete, how long it takes and what the course covers. Cheers Liz
Guest Posted April 1, 2004 Posted April 1, 2004 The ADCE took me two years; part time; distance learning through a college in Buxton, i think Derby uni now run it. I did one module per term, module I covered were, child protection, management of early years services, language and literacy, living in a changing society, early years curriculum, and a dissertation of your choice.I did mine on the role of play in primary education. I'm glad I did my ADCE it certainly gave me a head start in my last job, it has given me broad knowledge on many aspects, especially management. Although it would be nice to be recognised as level 4!
Guest Posted April 1, 2004 Posted April 1, 2004 I also did the advanced diploma in chilcare and education and apart from increasing my own personal understanding of the proffession it has been of no use what so ever! The college led us to believe it was equivalent to 120 cat points not so when i approached sunderland university. I then applied for the foundation degree and was again told if it was completed before 1995(i think) it was worthless and was not taken into consideration. When I contacted cache they told me it was level 4 . I think the answer is that they keep on moving the goalposts in order for someone like me to move up the carreer ladder it is impossible. I now believe from what i have read on here that my hard earned neeb is also usless after 20 years working in the lea. i think i may possibly have something to give regarding childrens learning. the newly qualified teachers having done a pgce certainly have a lot to learn and i for one will bw reluctant to share my skills as long as they think i am only a nursery nurse not a teacher.
Guest Posted April 1, 2004 Posted April 1, 2004 It's actually an NNEB i have and not a job with an electricity provider !
Guest Posted April 1, 2004 Posted April 1, 2004 Hi there everyone ~ me again!! Thanks for the info on the ADCE much appreciated!! Can anyone post any info on the Foundation courses available and what content and length is involved!! Many thanks Liz
AnonyMouse_1999 Posted April 1, 2004 Posted April 1, 2004 I am currently doing the Foundation Degree In Early Years with the Open University. It requires 240 points of study, (120 at level 1 and 120 at level 2) I do know that different Universities offering this degree have different modules/course on offer to make up the degree. The first two course with the OU (E123 and E124) enable you to achieve the new Certificate in Early Years Practice which is recognised as a level 4 qualification. YOu can then continue for the degree and use these courses towards it too. With the OU there is a little room for choice in courses and to give you some idea this is my route to the degree (hopefully!!!) E123 Working with children in the Early Years (30pts) (did this last year) E124 Supporting childrens learning in the early years (30 pts) (doing it now!) E243 Inclusive education (30 pts) (doing it now!) E230 English Maths and science in the early years (30 pts) (2005) E115 Personal and professional development in EY (60pts) (2005) E215 Extending personal and professional development in EY (60 pts)(2006) All the above courses start in February and end in October. They involve tutor marked assignments and an end of course assessment. If you want to know any more give me a shout. I did look at my local college that has university franchise but was not too impressed on the foundation degree modules.
Guest Posted April 11, 2004 Posted April 11, 2004 any help with my nvq 3 optional p5 would be a great help thanks
Guest Posted April 14, 2004 Posted April 14, 2004 currently doing foundation degree, worth 240 cat points, three years training through leeds met. Have been told for students who have completed ADCE can use previous training and start at level 2? but would need clarification and may be down to individual assesment. Finding fitting in coursework challenging with working full time but hopefully worthwhile, actual attendance at college 6 hrs per week. good luck
Helen Posted April 14, 2004 Posted April 14, 2004 Hi Janet.s Can you give us some more details of the kind of help you'd like? I've done the NVQ3 but can't remember what P5 is all about! Is it the practical stuff you need some advice about, or the underpinning knowledge?
Guest Posted April 14, 2004 Posted April 14, 2004 hi, i to am currently doing the foundation degree, but with some difference to most of the posts ive seen. i started last september, at a college one day and one evening a week, its a two year course. the difference is, it was funded in norfolk as a piolot by sure start. i get all my fees waivered, i get £500 to help by ink cartridges, paper etc per year, my setting gets £500 per year to cover my salary and we also got the loan of a free laptop and printer. dont know if any other areas are doing this, the group beginning next year will not get anything. we do 6 modules per term (2 - 12 week terms per year) so it is alot of work to do in only 12 weeks. as it is work based learning, we have to be in a setting for a minimum of two sessions per week. it is alot of work but well worth it. it will give me a level 4 qualification at the end and a title of senior practitioner. like most of you, its not only the recognition of the qualification, but the knowledge and expereince gained. as it is also at a college, i meet other people in settings from playgroups, nurserys and teaching assistants, so we talk between us and learn so much. we also spend from around a 60 mile radius, so we have people from norfolk, cabridgeshire and linconshire.
Guest Posted April 30, 2004 Posted April 30, 2004 Hi All This is my first message to the forum and after reading all the messages regarding 'whats next for NNEBs', I felt I had to reply. As a NNEB for 15 years ( State nursery employed 10yrs) I did a BA (Hons) degree in Early Yrs last year for 2years part-time at University. It was really hard with working fulltime (in a busy nursery class!) and attending Uni twice a week 5:30 - 9pm. On my course there were 15 NNEBs and we all passed with a 2.1 or 1st degree. The course built on my previous knowledge and understanding and it was great experince, but I remain a NNEB in the nursery. Currently all of us remain in our original workplaces -3 NNEBs went on to do PGCE courses - With current changes ahead for Education ( teacher workload, foundation phase (wales), Support Staff training,etc) there is a lot of mixed feelings, in particular for where next for NNEBs. I have been told that to become a High Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) / cover supervisor or to gain regrading I must be assessed through TTA criteria to become NVQ L4. Yet my degree is higher that L4. I am waiting to hear from the LEA to clarify my position. Has anyway else doing / know about the HLTA or applied for regrading. Maggie
Guest Posted April 30, 2004 Posted April 30, 2004 Hi Maggie Just wanted to welcome you to the forum. I assume by your post that you are in Wales? I understand that you work somewhat differently to us here in England? I know there some members from Wales who may be able to offer you some advice. Linda
Guest Posted June 6, 2004 Posted June 6, 2004 Hi All, It's been a long time since I contributed to this forum... .sorry, ironically I've been so busy getting the foundation degrees I lead off the ground, that I have not have time! Oops! I am the course leader for a sector endorsed foundation degree in early years childcare and education at APU ( Anglia Polytechnic University). As already mentioned by others it is a level 4 qualification. It is a degree in its own right, but also has progression routes to complete to full honours degree and routes into Initial Teacher Training (subject to ITT entry requirements). Foundation degrees (Fds)are work based learning awards, which means that the modules studied are not purely academic theory, but rooted in your practice and will involve observations, action research projects and research through your work. Our foundation degree is sector endorsed which means that it meets the Sure Start Early Years Sector Requirements and results in Senior Pracitioner Status on completion. (there are many other Sector endorsed Fds running nationwide) It also means that it receives support funding by the DfES which for next September will include the free loan of a laptop and printer for the duration of the course and supply costs to employers (not huge amounts to cover complete costs, but it helps). The APU Fds are running in Benfleet and Chelmsford APU and also at many colleges in the regional partnership. At the Benfleet and Chelmsford courses it is five semesters long, each semester has 12 taught weeks with one day a week college attendance, so 24 days release within each year. There is also websupport through online materials, discussions etc. We have also just had the Foundation Degree validated for online delivery which takes longer, 3 years but is more suitable for those who are particularly interested in online learning rather than college attendance. It is important to emphasise this is not distance learning where you work alone through materials, but is based upon discussions and sharing practice online (similar to this forum) supported by resources and assessed through assignments as you progress. If anyone is interested in the online Fd, we will be advertising nationwide within the next few weeks and would love to hear from students intersted in taking part in the reduced cost pilot cohort from September. (please note...this is not a light touch option and online learning can take a considerable time commiittment. ) For further information: http://www.mpowernet.anglia.ac.uk/index.ph...e_and_education http://www.mpowernet.anglia.ac.uk/index.ph...online_learning I hope this is useful. If there are any other questions that I can help with relating to the Fd plese ask. I promise I will log on again more regularly! Debra Scourfield Assistant Director of Courses mPowerNet APU
Guest Posted August 3, 2004 Posted August 3, 2004 Hi, just thought I would add my bit re the foundation degree. I am actually one of Debra Scourfield's students and am thoroughly enjoying the course. I have learnt so much in the 2 semesters completed and am looking forward to the next 3. I do find it quite difficult to fit in work, family and coursework but I feel it will be worth the effort in the end (I have a very understanding family who put up with takeaways and unironed clothes!) The course appears to be very much an all-rounder with modules focusing on your roles and responsibilties, your own learning and the work sector itself as well as modules dealing with childhood and children's learning. We have just completed a brilliant module on work experience as a resource for learning. I learnt so much about myself and how I work that I wouldn't have done so without the course - hopefully the children themselves will benefit directly from this one as I feel I will be more effective in the future. If the next 3 semesters are anything like the first 2 I will have received such a grounding in childcare and education that when I decide to undertake the teacher training, my knowledge will start at a much higher level that it would have done if I had undertaken a different degree. I am hoping that I will be able to take the learning to a deeper level during teacher training than I would have otherwise been able to do. This forum has been invaluable in my quest for knowledge and has been a great support, long may it live. Julia.
Steve Posted August 3, 2004 Posted August 3, 2004 Hi Julia - Thanks for your comments regarding the forum - and thanks for your testimonial on the APU Foundation Degree as well. It's good to get first hand feedback on these things! It will be really interesting to keep up to date with your experiences of the course. If there are many other members who are doing this or similar courses, perhaps we should set up a dedicated forum area as we have done for the NVQ3?
Guest Posted August 5, 2004 Posted August 5, 2004 I think a dedicated forum area for the foundation degree would be a really good idea. This way, many of us would not only be able to discuss our experiences but would also be able to ask/offer advice with regard to certain modules etc. Also, anyone else intending to develop their own learning can see what sort of things the degree offers and make an informed decision on whether this course would suit their needs. Julia.
Guest Posted February 4, 2006 Posted February 4, 2006 Hi Dreean Im studying a HND in early childhood studies it sounds the same as the ADCE or a foundation degree the one difference seems to be and I feel its unfair (the ADCE is supose to be equivalent?) but the foundation degree and the HND only needs one year top up to make it a Dgree whereas the ADCE takes two years Im hearing mixed responces about the ADCE not about the course but the recognision afterwards, one of our tutors at college has worked in nurseries for several years and she did the ADCE and found it didnt open any doors for her. good luck on your quest for further knowledge I am really enjoying the challenge 6425[/snapback] hey just looking through posts and saw you were studying for a HND in early childhood studies. I am studying the exact same qualification and wondered what you have gone on to do next with the qualification as i have no idea where to go after the course?
Guest Posted February 5, 2006 Posted February 5, 2006 Hi All,It's been a long time since I contributed to this forum... .sorry, ironically I've been so busy getting the foundation degrees I lead off the ground, that I have not have time! Oops! I am the course leader for a sector endorsed foundation degree in early years childcare and education at APU ( Anglia Polytechnic University). As already mentioned by others it is a level 4 qualification. It is a degree in its own right, but also has progression routes to complete to full honours degree and routes into Initial Teacher Training (subject to ITT entry requirements). Foundation degrees (Fds)are work based learning awards, which means that the modules studied are not purely academic theory, but rooted in your practice and will involve observations, action research projects and research through your work. Our foundation degree is sector endorsed which means that it meets the Sure Start Early Years Sector Requirements and results in Senior Pracitioner Status on completion. (there are many other Sector endorsed Fds running nationwide) It also means that it receives support funding by the DfES which for next September will include the free loan of a laptop and printer for the duration of the course and supply costs to employers (not huge amounts to cover complete costs, but it helps). The APU Fds are running in Benfleet and Chelmsford APU and also at many colleges in the regional partnership. At the Benfleet and Chelmsford courses it is five semesters long, each semester has 12 taught weeks with one day a week college attendance, so 24 days release within each year. There is also websupport through online materials, discussions etc. We have also just had the Foundation Degree validated for online delivery which takes longer, 3 years but is more suitable for those who are particularly interested in online learning rather than college attendance. It is important to emphasise this is not distance learning where you work alone through materials, but is based upon discussions and sharing practice online (similar to this forum) supported by resources and assessed through assignments as you progress. If anyone is interested in the online Fd, we will be advertising nationwide within the next few weeks and would love to hear from students intersted in taking part in the reduced cost pilot cohort from September. (please note...this is not a light touch option and online learning can take a considerable time commiittment. ) For further information: http://www.mpowernet.anglia.ac.uk/index.ph...e_and_education http://www.mpowernet.anglia.ac.uk/index.ph...online_learning I hope this is useful. If there are any other questions that I can help with relating to the Fd plese ask. I promise I will log on again more regularly! Debra Scourfield Assistant Director of Courses mPowerNet APU 10508[/snapback] Hi Debra, Thankyou for such an informative post. Do you offer APL for the ADCE, I did my ADCE in 1998, 5 modules at level 1 and dissertation at level 2. ( previous training was PPA Certificate in 1983 and 15 years working in the sector ) I also have Cert Ed, post compulsory, is this recognised for APL? I have been advised that FD is equivalent to ADCE ( if ADCE is recognised at level 4). I really don't know whether to do the FD or go straight for a full degree (B.Ed). My concern is that the FD is the current fashion, just like the ADCE was when I did that, I worry that the FD won't be recognised in it's own right in the future and is only seen as a stepping stone to a full degree. I have also employed a member of staff with the FD who didn't even know how to do observations, she said this wasn't part of the course. ( she got on the FD after doing the BTEC but had no real practical experience within a setting, apart from study placements) Peggy
AnonyMouse_4544 Posted February 5, 2006 Posted February 5, 2006 Hi Debra, Thankyou for such an informative post. Do you offer APL for the ADCE, I did my ADCE in 1998, 5 modules at level 1 and dissertation at level 2. ( previous training was PPA Certificate in 1983 and 15 years working in the sector ) I also have Cert Ed, post compulsory, is this recognised for APL? I have been advised that FD is equivalent to ADCE ( if ADCE is recognised at level 4). I really don't know whether to do the FD or go straight for a full degree (B.Ed). My concern is that the FD is the current fashion, just like the ADCE was when I did that, I worry that the FD won't be recognised in it's own right in the future and is only seen as a stepping stone to a full degree. I have also employed a member of staff with the FD who didn't even know how to do observations, she said this wasn't part of the course. ( she got on the FD after doing the BTEC but had no real practical experience within a setting, apart from study placements) Peggy 47143[/snapback] My Nursery Nurse did the FD 2 years ago and feels she has wasted her time unless she intended to do a degree (which she doesnt at this point) also have a friend who did the HND and is finding it isnt recognised???????
Guest Posted February 5, 2006 Posted February 5, 2006 Hi there, I have a degree in early childhood studies. The course was three years and i thought it was amazing. I have learnt so much and broadened my knowledge in so many different areas concerning children, their devlopment etc. We covered such different modules in great depth some such as child protection, childrens moral development, play therapy and so forth. It really has helped me in the job i do now and it has certainly opened so many different career routes with not such bad pay either! I'd definately recommend this degree.
AnonyMouse_3401 Posted February 5, 2006 Posted February 5, 2006 With regards to the ADCE, a friend of mine did the ADCE and was hoping to use that towards gaining further credits towards her Foundation degree. At Suffolk College she was told not only was the ADCE not the equivilent to a FD but her previous credits would not be counted either. Is it the case that different colleges and universities have differing views, in which case how is the qualifications framework going to work across the country? S
Guest Posted February 11, 2006 Posted February 11, 2006 surely the foundation degree is more than a HLTA which is a status?
AnonyMouse_4544 Posted February 11, 2006 Posted February 11, 2006 My TA has completed the Foundation Degree but she will have to complete the HLTA course to qualify for the higher level.
Guest Posted February 11, 2006 Posted February 11, 2006 why should that happen Marion when the Foundation Degree is a DEGREE and not a status. It just sems wrong. we were assured at the start that it would mean more
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