The Children's Foundation Degree Overview

The Children’s Workforce Foundation Degree is a two‑year programme designed for adults without an existing degree level qualification, already working with children and young people. Over the course of the programme, learners deepen their understanding of child development, safeguarding, inclusion, social justice and professional practice, while also developing strong academic, reflective and research skills that can be applied directly to day‑to‑day work.

The programme leads to:

• Year 1: Certificate of Higher Education (Level 4)
• Year 2: Diploma of Higher Education (Level 5)

On successful completion, learners are well-placed to consider progression to Level 6 study (Top‑Up) with an appropriate higher education provider, subject to individual entry requirements. This enables learners to complete a full Honours Bachelor’s Degree should they wish to do so, in line with their career goals and professional interests.

Study Format

The Children’s Workforce Foundation Degree is delivered primarily through in‑person teaching. This approach is central to building strong relationships, supporting collaborative learning and enabling meaningful multi‑agency discussion.

Alongside face‑to‑face sessions, the programme makes appropriate and purposeful use of online learning tools to support learners’ studies. This may include:

• Access to online learning materials and resources
• Supplementary sessions delivered online where appropriate
• Opportunities to engage virtually with national speakers or shared learning events

Teaching is delivered on site, and learners are expected to attend sessions in person at their designated learning centre. At present, there is no fully online study option available.

The programme is delivered within a clearly defined and closely monitored framework. Consistent curriculum content, teaching approaches and assessment methods are used across all delivery centres, ensuring a high‑quality and consistent learner experience regardless of location.

Academic oversight and quality assurance are led by the Centre for Children’s Workforce. This includes regular monitoring activity, review processes and ongoing engagement with delivery partners. In addition, shared sessions delivered simultaneously across centres allow national speakers to contribute in real time, supporting professional connection and a shared national learning experience.

Where learners have individual circumstances or specific learning access needs, these can be discussed and considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

Year 1 Study Topics: Understanding Children, Yourself and Practice

In your first year, the focus is on understanding children within their social worlds, while developing your confidence as a reflective, research-informed professional.

Year 2 Study Topics: Safeguarding, Inclusion and Making Change

In the second year, learning becomes more critical, applied and outward-facing. You will focus on safeguarding, social justice, sustainability and inclusive practice, strengthening your ability to influence positive change.

Assessment and Learning Approach

Assessment of the Children’s Workforce Foundation Degree is designed to be relevant, practical and closely linked to professional practice.  Rather than relying on exams, learners are assessed through a range of written and applied assignments that allow them to reflect on their experience, explore theory, and demonstrate learning in ways that support their role. 

Assessment methods may include:

• Reflective written assignments
• Practice-based case studies
• Analysis of policy, research and professional guidance
• Small scale enquiry and research tasks
• Professional reflection linked to workplace practice

Assessments are clearly structured, with guidance provided throughout to support planning, academic writing and critical thinking.  Opportunities for formative feedback and discussion are built into the programme, ensuring learners understand expectations and can develop their work with confidence.

The assessment approach recognises the diverse professional backgrounds of learners and is designed to be supportive, inclusive and meaningful, enabling learners to demonstrate progress while balancing study alongside work and personal responsibilities.

Support Throughout The Assessment Process

Learners are supported at every stage through:

• Clear guidance on assessment requirements and expectations
• Sessions focused on academic writing and study skills
• Opportunities to discuss assignments and receive formative feedback
• Ongoing tutor support to build confidence and understanding

Assessment deadlines are planned well in advance, allowing learners to balance study alongside work and personal responsibilities. For the 2026–2027 cohort, assessments are scheduled for January 2027 and May 2027.

Building Confidence While Earning A Qualification

Assessment is not just about achieving credits, it is about developing confidence, reflective thinking and professional identity. Many learners from previous qualification programmes report increased confidence in:

• Writing at higher education level
• Articulating their practice and decision-making
• Contributing to discussions across teams and services

By the end of the programme, learners are well-prepared for further study or progression within their professional roles.

Your Learning Environment

Teaching takes place at Gosforth Group’s dedicated Learning and Community Hub in Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne. This modern, multipurpose facility provides an accessible and welcoming space where learners can focus on their studies, collaborate with peers and engage in reflective learning away from day-to-day workplace pressures.

At a glance:

• Walking distance from Regent Centre bus and metro station
• Free on-site parking
• Modern teaching rooms and breakout spaces
• Industry standard learning technology
• Quiet areas for revision and coursework
• Free WiFi access
• Kitchen area and refreshments

Progression and Next Steps

Successful completion of the Foundation Degree provides a clear pathway to Level 6 (Top‑Up) study with a higher education provider of choice, subject to meeting individual entry requirements.

Progression routes may enable learners to specialise in areas such as:

• Education
• Early Childhood
• Youth Studies
• Integrated Working with Families
• Related disciplines aligned with professional interests and career aspirations

The programme is designed to build academic confidence, professional insight and practical skills, supporting learners to progress their education and career in ways that are meaningful to them. Whether moving on to further study or advancing within their current role, graduates are well-equipped to make a positive and lasting contribution to the lives of children and young people.