Professional Practice in Early Years 0-8

Early years practice, covering children from birth to age eight, is one of the most significant areas of professional work in education and care. The years before children enter school and the first years of formal education are now well established as foundational for cognitive development, emotional regulation, language acquisition, and social learning. Practitioners working with very young children, whether in nurseries, pre-schools, childminding settings, or reception and Key Stage 1 classrooms, need both genuine professional skills and the theoretical understanding to make sense of what they observe and to plan provision that genuinely supports each child.

At the University of Hull, this two-year full-time degree is taught in the evenings, designed for practitioners who are already working or volunteering with young children and who want to develop their knowledge and professional capability alongside their practice. Whether you are a childminder, teaching assistant, pre-school practitioner, or in another role with children aged up to eight, the programme is structured to enhance the professional development opportunities that arise from combining study with direct work experience. You will engage with theory and research in early childhood development, pedagogy, and policy, connecting academic learning directly to your professional context.

Graduates from early years professional practice programmes are well placed to progress into more senior roles within early years settings, including leading practice in nurseries, pre-schools, and reception classrooms. The qualification also provides a foundation for progression to further degree-level study in early childhood education, primary teaching, or related fields, and for roles in early years management, advisory work, or policy. Many graduates go on to pursue Early Years Teacher Status or Qualified Teacher Status through further training.