Early Years Foundation Degree

What is it?

Early Years Sector-Endorsed Foundation Degree (EYSEFD) courses are exciting, new, higher education qualifications at level 5 that will lead to a new level of professional practice known as the ‘Senior Practitioner’. They have been assessed as meeting a Statement of Requirement which has been endorsed by the Early Years sector. This Statement sets out core learning outcomes for the foundation degrees as well as a framework of innovative delivery of the course.

Students will need to have a level 3 qualification in Early Years, Childcare or Playwork (or equivalent) and at least 2 years' experience of working in the sector. Those students who do not hold a level 3 qualification may discuss APEL (Accredited of Prior Experiential Learning) procedures with their intended institution of study.

This new qualification is being offered across the country in a number of higher education institutions (HEIs) and affiliated further education colleges. A list of those institutions offering an EYSEFD course is available from the links at the bottom of the page.

Publications

Statement of Requirement
This is the document which sets out the learning outcomes and course delivery characteristics required to be an Early Years Sector-Endorsed Foundation Degree.

Annex to the Statement of Requirement
This provides an update and supporting information to the core learning and route specific outcomes for the EYSEFD.

University Funding Guidance
This is the guidance for the lead HEIs on the EYSEFD Student Support Package (SSP) and its administration.

List of Recognised Universities and Colleges :Updated June 05
This is the latest list of those institutions who have been recognised as delivering an EYSEFD course.

Recognition Procedure: Improving Quality in Early Years Provision
This sets out the procedure and ethos around the Recognition Scheme for specific Foundation Degrees to become EYSEFD courses.

Recognition Checklist
This is the checklist that lead HEIs need to submit alongside their course documentation.

Recognition Checklist Letter
This is the cover letter that accompanies the two above documents.