Foundation Degree in
Early Years: Leadership, Education and Practice
(FdA)
Guidance Notes for Interview
Mission Statement
“Edge Hill is a higher education institution seeking to provide an innovative, high quality and inclusive learning experience underpinned by a commitment to the advancement, dissemination and application of knowledge. Edge Hill is dedicated to developing individuals as skilled and autonomous learners in challenging and supportive environments.”
Equal Opportunities
“Edge Hill aims to provide an institutional environment which is welcoming; and which values and affirms the positive contributions of all its members.
Edge Hill seeks to identify and to eradicate any practices which promote racism, sexism or homophobia or which discriminate against people with disabilities, or from particular socio-economic backgrounds, or because of their age.
We ask everyone to be aware of their behaviour at all times so that we can continue to develop an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome.”
A full copy of our equal opportunities statement is available from the Enquiries Unit on 01695 584274.
Alternative Formats
This booklet is available in alternative formats or larger font. Please contact the Admissions Office on 01695 584637 to request a copy.
Learning Support Needs
Contents
1. Arrival
2. Interview Programme
3. Preparation for Interview
4. The Written Assessment
5. The Post-Interview/Pre-Course Task
6. The Interview
7. Edge Hill decisions
1. Arrival
Arrival instructions are given in the accompanying letter of invitation to interview.
2. Programme (Half Day)
Reception and arrival - collection of certificates
Welcome to Edge Hill - introductory address on Foundation Degree: Early Years: Leadership, Education and Practice
Written Assessment
Discussion on post-interview/pre course tasks
Individual interviews (15 minutes) - candidates are free to leave after interview.
All interviews should be completed within 3 hours.
3. Preparation for Interview
Qualifications
Please bring with you photocopies of certificates, if already attained, which show passes in:
Any certificates you may have obtained that relate to academic or professional qualifications, training and development
GCSE Mathematics and English or equivalent, if you have these. You may wish to bring additional supporting evidence with you.
4. The Written Assessment
You will be given a short article on Early Years Practice from a recent professional publication and asked to comment on how the issue covered in the article might affect Early Years practice in general and your work in particular. This task will only take 30 minutes maximum and will be used to assess the academic level that you are working at and your general vocational knowledge.
5. The Post-Interview/Pre-programme Task
We will be asking you to undertake some pre-course work so we can ‘hit the ground running’ when you start the programme. Successful candidates will receive a detailed pre-programme handbook to enable them to prepare for the programme.
6.
The Interview
You will be interviewed to see whether you:
have the ability to accomplish the academic and vocational requirements of the Programme
meet the standards required for entry to the FdA in Early Years: Leadership, Education and Practice
Format of the Interview
You will be interviewed by a Foundation Degree Tutor, Associate Tutor and/ or colleague from an Early Years setting, in a one-to-one situation. You may be asked to discuss relevant Early Years issues and to evaluate experience in your setting.
You can expect that the interview will cover all the following areas: i. Personal, intellectual and presentational qualities.
Candidates will be given the opportunity to demonstrate that they have an enthusiasm for working in an Early Years setting and adopt a positive, professional approach to their work.
Particular qualities we will be looking for include:
- confidence
- clear speech using standard English
- positive demeanour
- the capacity to be an effective member of a team
- good communication skills
- enthusiasm
- ability to get on with people.
- a genuine liking for children Birth to Five ii. Preparation for interview and the FdA programme.
The tutor will be looking for candidates who show a lively interest in joining the FdA programme and have prepared for the interview and who meet the relevant experience criteria.
iii. Ability to engage in FdA level academic study iv. Early Years and Professional issues
You will be expected to have well thought out ideas about why you wish to do the Foundation Degree Early Years: Leadership, Education and Practice and to show an awareness and understanding of the work of
staff in Early Years settings. There will be the opportunity to demonstrate evidence of relevant experience of working with youngsters, if appropriate.
The interviewer will expect candidates to demonstrate their awareness of current early year’s issues.
7. Edge Hill Decisions
You will be advised of our decision in writing, normally within 10 working days of the interview.
Irrespective of academic qualifications already/to be achieved, all offers are conditional upon:
i. meeting the statutory requirements in respect of physical and mental fitness
ii. clearance to work with children (Criminal Records Bureau Enhanced Disclosure)
iii. the signed support of your line manager
We do hope that you accept our invitation to attend, enjoy the experience and find that it helps you to make a considered and informed decision about your future plans. On completion of your interview, we will ask you to complete an evaluation on your interview experience to help us to continue to improve the quality of what we do at Edge Hill University.
8. Students with disabilities or Specific Learning Needs
Applicants with disabilities or learning needs should note that the decision to offer a place on the course is made only on the selection criteria outlined in this booklet. However, you should note the following:
If you normally have additional time for examinations or tests, or large font type, or any other specific arrangements, please contact the Admissions Office using the reply form provided with your letter of invitation. Please provide a letter from your employer to confirm that additional time for tests is a requirement.
If you would like any confidential advice or information on Edge Hill’s student support services for students with disabilities or learning difficulties, please do not hesitate to contact the following staff:
Hazel Devereux
Disability Adviser
Telephone: 01695 584746
Email devereuh@edgehill.ac.uk
Sue Williams
Skills Development & Dyslexia Support Manager
Telephone: 01695 584791
