Foundation degree place of work

Foundation degree place of work

by: Jen Jen - 20-06-09 21:52

Hi guys just interested im undertaking my foundation degree an done my prep course starting my 2 years in sept i am just wondering if you have to stay in a nursery setting whilst doing it or can be a teaching assistant and still be able to do it?

by: Chey

Dear Jen Jen,

I am also studying my FdA in Early Years. On my course we are a real mix of settings and 2 of our ladies work as learning support assistants in LEA schools. Both work in Foundation Stage Classrooms.

Good luck with the course, I love it

by: allie

Hi,

 just completed my FdA: Early Years (sector endorsed). As chey says, there is a good mixture! Outreach workers, day nurseries, reception classes and key stage 1 classes. I'm currently working in a reception class.

Good luck and enjoy the course!!

by: kaz (the first one!)

On my course there was a good mixture. There were even some that had two settings to draw experience from. 

by: suem

Hi, I have just completed my first year foundation degree and starting year 2 in September. Although most on my course were from private/voluntary/independent nurseries and some people were from children's centers, I work with children in an educational setting - ages range from reception to year 2. I have found the course very interesting and informative and it has had a positive impact on my setting.

by: Jen Jen

thanku very much 4 taking the time to reply this has helped alot x

by: lollysmum

Can I be cheeky and ask another question on this thread, I am considering applying for the Foundation Degree but I am wondering.. those of you who have completed it have you had any problems in gaining work with it and have you found jobs that pay that bit extra to reward your hard work?  As I want to continue my prfessional development, but I feel that sometimes my Cache Diploma (level 3) often seems undervalued and feel pressurised into going into higher education to simply maintain the job I already have and the rate of pay I already recieve, but if that is how I will keep a job for the next twenty odd years then so be it.  So i suppose I am asking was it worth it from a prospective job point of view?

by: Lolo

lollysmum - having a Foundation Degree is one step further towards EYPS.  Eventually all settings will have to have an EYP, so he could use your Foundation Degree to negotiate something, maybe? 

There may well be interesting roles coming up at Children's Centres that woudl suit you?

by: kaz (the first one!)

I have the FD and no pay rise. But then again I own the setting! I will hopefully get EYP next year but no pay rise! I did it for myself and to KEEP my job and not have to get an EYP in.

by: Lolo

But why aren't you paying yourslef more to reflect your expertise and qualifications?  Would you expect your staff to put up with that?

by: lollysmum

Thanks for the replies, I do feel that it is something I want to do as well as something I feel that is necessary to move forward, I hadnt considered the Children's Centres.  I will certainly be looking at them as they expand in my area.

by: Jen Jen

i think it is important to be doing it for yourselve and not just to stay in a job as it is alot of hard work and takes over your life so you need to be definately sure of what you want to do. the thing is a foundation degree desnt mean you have to stay in settings, it opens many other doors and jobs you prob would never think of, also a degree gives you the opportunity to do top up years in different subjects and maybe do social side of it or health side its not all about being in a childcare setting.x

by: Jen Jen

sorry about the grammer hollyoaks is distracting lol x

by: kaz (the first one!)

Lolo - I am already paying myself as manager, I can't be paid two wages! the tax wouldn't be worth it! I will get a bursary from county with EYP which will mean I can subsidise my wages and hopefully pay my staff more. 

by: JDD

To all those who are studying or have achieved the Foundation Degree, as an Early Years Lecturer, I am appalled at the state of some of the spelling  and literacy in your notes to each other. As you have the people of the future in your hands would it not be a good idea to get it right your selves first? Especially in a public forum, it does not give me confidence for the future generations learning.

The Wise One?

RE: RE: Foundation degree place of work - 29-06-09 11:53

by: mich

To JDD

You are talking about literacy just to let you know 'yourselves' is one word not two.  We are all capable of writing effectively but when it is done in a rush mistakes can happen to anyone don't you think?

by: Jen Jen

Excuse me Jdd, I may not have the best grammer but how does that make me not good enough to do a degree. I have done my prep course and waiting to start in September which i may add i got a good grade, also in my own time i will be starting and english course. i think it is very rude how you can judge people on their spelling, that does not mean we are not the best childcarers around.

Its like saying to a child your pictures rubbish because you cant write your name. Some people struggle with grammer which i do myself but that does not mean others are better at their jobs when children are concerned!!!

RE: RE: Foundation degree place of work - 25-06-09 18:56

by: allie

HERE, HERE JEN JEN!!!!! I also struggle with my spelling but believe i am a fantastic pratitioner with a deeper insight into child development and early years education since studying for an FdA.  i have worked with some practitioners with top degrees who have not always made 'the grade' as practitioners!! I'm the complete opposite an excellent practitioner but a weakness in spelling. I also feel angery at the post by Jdd!!!!

by: lollysmum

lol! as i type rather quickly i do not always take my time to check my grammer as this is an informal forum, if i were to be typing a report you would find it hard to spot any mistakes :)

by: sarahdreams

hi. I have just completed a year of open uni which has credited me with 30 points, i think! I found it really hard with alot of pressure with all the assignments. I just wondered how anyone found the foundation degree work wise, as I dont have much time during week to put in  hours due to teaching and other commitments. Any advice?

by: treasure

Hi I have just completed my first year of my degree. The knowlegde and information in which the degree entailed helped me to become a more reflective practitioner  in provding good outcomes for all children. The course consisted of a lot of written work, but my advise to any one that wishes to undertake this degree you must be commited. I agree with  Kaz, sometimes we must reflective that it is not always about the extra money. I did the degree in helping me to provide as a manager better quailty education and care for all children. Also we have to be reflective why we choose childcare in the first place as a career..............................................................

by: kaz (the first one!)

Treasure, totally agree with you. I may not have gained anything in pay but I have gained a deeper knowledge and understanding of my chosen field.

JDD - I left school with no qualifications - did NVQ L2 when I was 30 with two small children and have now completed my foundation degree, having never written an assignment before in my life. How dare you judge people by their spelling!

This is an informal forum and people should not have to worry that they are not accurate in their spelling or grammar. At least we don't all type in text speak!

by: sarahdreams

thanks for your advice! how long exactly does this degree take if I do it part time? does any one know?

by: Strawberry

I did the foundation degree one day a week over 2 years. We had to be working for 30 hours a week on top of that. I was a childminder while I did mine so you definitely don't have to be in nursery. We had people from day nurseries, pre-schools, primary schools, a nanny and a speach and language therapist.

I think as long as you are in a child care or education setting you can do it.

Best of luck! I loved every second of it! x

by: mich

Hi,

I am just at the end of my second year of the foundation degree in early years and you can have a placement in a school or work as a teaching assistant if you did that it would give you more scope for the modules you will do.  Good luck.