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Early Years

HND Early Years Professional Leadership for England (Full-Time) – 2026 Entry

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St Helens College Nursery
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The HND Early Years Professional Leadership for England programme is designed for practitioners who aspire to leadership and management roles within early years and childcare settings.

The course develops advanced knowledge, professional skills, and leadership behaviours aligned to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and national priorities for quality, safeguarding, inclusion, and partnership working.

Learners will build confidence as reflective practitioners, capable of leading teams, driving improvement, and supporting high-quality outcomes for children and families.

More information

The course will start in September and will take two years, full-time to complete. You will attend the College two days per week.

This course will take place at our Knowslay Main Campus, Huyton, Liverpool, L36 3SD.

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You should have achieved:

  • A relevant level 3 qualification in Early Years, Childcare, Health and Social Care, or a related subject
  • GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above (or Level 2 equivalent)

Applicants will also be required to attend an interview and suitability assessment.

Additional Entry Requirements

You will need to have current or planned access to an early years setting to complete a placement or work-based learning.

You will also need an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.

Prior Learning and Experience

For applicants with substantial professional experience in an early years or childcare setting, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) may be considered, subject to assessment and awarding body guidance.

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Approved By: Pearson logo
UCAS Code: X313
Institution Code: S51
Entry Requirements: 240 Credits
Programme Specification: View full Programme Specification here
ProgrammeLeader: Rachel Maloney | RMaloney@sthelens.ac.uk
YEAR ONE YEAR TWO
Unit 1: Personal and Professional Development through Reflective Practice | 15 Credits Unit 9: Investigating Childhood: Action Research for Early Childhood Practitioners (Pearson-set) | 30 Credits
Unit 2: Protecting Children in Early Education and Care Environments | 15 Credits Unit 10: Improving Quality in Early Education and Care Environments | 15 Credits
Unit 3: Play and Learning in Early Childhood | 15 Credits Unit 11: Managing and Leading People in Children’s Early Education and Care Environments | 15 Credits
Unit 4: Supporting and Promoting Children’s Development (Infants and Toddlers) | 15 Credits Unit 12: Managing Children’s Early Education and Care Environments | 15 Credits
Unit 5: Supporting and Promoting Children’s Development (Young Children) | 15 Credits Unit 13: Mentoring and Supervision in Early Education and Care Practice | 15 Credits
Unit 6: Promoting Healthy Living | 15 Credits Unit 14: Current and Emerging Pedagogies in Early Childhood Education and Care | 15 Credits
Unit 7: Preparing for Research (Pearson-set) | 15 Credits Unit 17: Impact of Curriculum on Early Childhood Education and Care | 15 Credits
Unit 8: Promoting Inclusive Early Education and Care Environments | 15 Credits

Learning takes place through a blend of lectures, workshops, group discussions, case studies, and work-based learning. Assessment is coursework-based and may include:

  • Professional reports
  • Reflective journals
  • Presentations
  • Case studies
  • Work-based projects

There are no formal exams. All assessment is internally assessed and externally quality assured.

For 2026 entry, tuition fees for full-time study are £8,495 per year.

Additional Costs

Course-Related Travel (Placements/Work Experience/Voluntary/Site Visits Only applicable if on work placement and not employed. Public transport costs will be required to and from placement. You will be required to complete a DBS check, which will cost around £44.
Equipment and Materials Core learning materials are provided, however learners may wish to purchase stationery or optional textbooks.
Trips Variable depending on type of activity.
Volunteering Opportunities for Personal Development Learners are encouraged to engage in volunteering or extended professional practice to enhance leadership experience and employability.
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On successful completion of this qualification, learners may progress into roles such as:

  • Early Years Practitioner
  • Room Leader
  • Deputy Manager
  • Nursery or Setting Manager
  • SEN Support Lead
  • Family Support Worker

The HND also provides progression routes to top-up degrees in Early Childhood Studies, Early Years Leadership, Education Studies, or related subjects, as well as continued professional development and leadership pathways within the early years sector.

 
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