From September 2018, The University of Derby will be one of only four Universities in the country to offer graduate level practitioner competencies for students studying BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies from Stage 1 of the degree.

The Competencies have been developed by members of the Early Childhood Studies Degrees Network (ECSDN) in consultation with students and employers, with an aim of ‘strengthening a graduate-led Early Childhood workforce that is responsive to workforce needs and improves outcomes for children’ (ECSDN, 2018). 

Students that achieve the Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner competencies will meet the nine competencies through assessed observations of practice, practice-based tasks and academic assessment.

The Early Childhood Graduate Competencies are:

1. Advocating for young children’s rights and participation
2. Promote holistic child development
3. Work directly with young children, families and colleagues to promote health, well-being, safety and nurturing care
4. Observe, listen and plan for young children to support their well-being, early learning, progression and transitions
5. Safeguarding and child protection
6. Inclusive practice
7. Partnership with parents and caregivers
8. Collaborating with others
9. Professional development

'We are delighted to have been part of the development of these competencies and to be able to offer our students this important opportunity. These developments will enhance reflective practice, graduate employability and the progression onto post-graduate study. The Early Childhood Competencies will not only serve to strengthen the practice of our students and their critical application of theory to practice but will also make an important contribution towards meeting our on-going aim of building a graduate led workforce for children and families.'  Carol Fenton and Helen Simmons, Programme Leaders: BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies