A Foundation Degree

1. A Foundation Degree Children and Families Preparing Tomorrows Professionals Claire Thurgate – Programme Director claire.thurgate@canterbury.ac.uk 01227 782103

2. Why a Foundation Degree (FD) • FDs use experience from the workplace to increase the knowledge and skills base for the individual • The increase of knowledge and skills improves; • the quality of the service – employer/children and families benefit • the career prospects of the individual – employee benefit

3. Drivers for quality care of children and families • Every Child Matters: change for children (2004) (ECM) 5 principles; • Be healthy – enjoy good physical and mental health • Stay safe – protected from harm and abuse • Enjoy and achieve – developing skills and knowledge for adulthood • Make a positive contribution - to society • Achieve economic wellbeing – achieve full potential

4. CWDC • The children’s workforce development council was established in 2005 to strengthen the workforce and ensure they have appropriate skills and qualifications; • Effective communication and engagement • Child and young persons development • Safeguarding and promoting welfare • Supporting transitions • Multi-agency working • Sharing information

5. A joint Faculty approach at CCCU • Health and Social Care • Education Both Faculties have provision for education of new professionals who work with children and families and have a long tradition of vocational training – a powerful partnership -

6. The FD structure – Level 1 • Core modules – 6x20 credits = 120 credits • Skills for learning • Cognitive development and observation of children • Physical and emotional development of children • Children in the context of their family • Children communicating • Keeping children safe

7. The FD structure – Level 2 • Core modules 3x20 credits HE2 • Child protection in a multi-agency context • Integrating working in the assessment of children • Critiquing research methods 4 pathways each 3x20 credits HE2; Generic Social care/Foster care Managing care

8. Generic pathway – choice of 3 • The challenge of adolescence • Understanding children’s occupations • Children’s mental health • Children with learning difficulties • Project

9. Social care – work place tasks define social care OR foster care • Social care practice • Values in social care • The organisational context of social care

10. Managing care • Developing a role in the workplace • Working in teams • Understanding organisations

11. Entry requirements • Working with children and families for 15 hours per week ( paid or not) • Have experience of working in the sector • Have support of employer/sponsor • Have NVQ 3 or equivalent • APL is available of up to 50% at level HE1 and 2 for suitable qualifications in the sector

12. Cost – money, time and effort • Fees in 2007/8 are £200 per module • Cost in time is individual but each module requires 170 hours which will include the completion of work place tasks • Cost to the employer is time release from the work place and commitment to support employee in personal development

13. What does part time mean? • 6 modules per year completed in weekly ‘day release’ over 3 x 10 week terms • Slow track available – 3 modules per year completed in 5 ‘day release’ sessions per term • Work commitment remains the same! • Family commitment needs organising! • Travel - to University campus

14. Why do this? • Remain at work so continue to earn. • Upgrade knowledge and skills to do a better job and improve career prospects. • Continue life long learning and enjoy experiencing new things. • Learning alongside others from the children’s workforce.