Early Years Professional Leadership HTQ

Course Overview

The Early Years Professional Leadership for England course is a two year, full time (blended) Higher Education programme designed for individuals aspiring to work in, or progress into, leadership and management roles within early years education and care settings.

Awarded by Pearson Edexcel, the HTQ aligns with national professional standards for the Early Years sector in England.

The programme combines theory, practice and reflective professional development, enabling students to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to support children’s learning, development, safeguarding and wellbeing, while also preparing them to lead teams and manage early years provision effectively.

The course aims to develop professional, reflective and effective early years practitioners who can meet the demands of modern early education and care environments. It supports widening participation in Higher Education and enhances employability by integrating academic study with work based learning and leadership practice.

What will I study?

On this course, you will study child development from infancy to early childhood, safeguarding and inclusive practice, and the role of play, health and wellbeing in early years education. You will develop reflective and research skills alongside a strong understanding of professional practice. As the course progresses, you will focus on leadership and management within early years settings, exploring how to manage provision, lead teams, mentor others and improve the quality of care and education through evidence based practice.

Modules

Compulsory
Optional*

Year 1 (L4)

1    Personal and Professional Development through Reflective Practice 
2    Protecting Children in Early Education and Care Environments
3    Play and Learning in Early Childhood 
4    Supporting and Promoting Children's Development (Infants and Toddlers) 
5    Supporting and Promoting Children’s Development (Young Children) 
6    Promoting Healthy Living 
7    Preparing for Research (Pearson-set) 
8    Promoting Inclusive Early Education and Care Environments 

Year 2 (L5)

9    Investigating Childhood: Action Research for Early Childhood Practitioners (Pearson-set) 
10    Improving Quality in Early Education and Care Environments 
11    Managing and Leading People in Children’s Early Education and Care Environments 
12    Managing Children’s Early Education and Care Environments 
13    Mentoring and Supervision in Early Education and Care Practice 
24    Trauma in Childhood: Addressing the Impact of Adverse Experiences on Child Health and Well-being* 
27    Outdoor Play and Learning*

How will the student be taught and assessed?

Students will be assessed through a range of written assignments, presentations and research tasks designed to develop confidence, academic skills and professional understanding. Assessment is continuous throughout the course, allowing learners to receive regular feedback and ongoing support. Some modules also include practical demonstrations and applied activities, enabling students to put theory into practice within early years and childcare contexts.

 

Entry requirements

Alongside access to suitable work-related experience in an Early Years setting for around 525 cumulative hours over the course duration of the programme, you will also require:

• 80 UCAS points in a relevant Level 3 BTEC qualification or A-Levels 
• A successful interview with a subject tutor.
• Grade 4/C in English Language or English Literature OR Level 2 Functional Skills in English.

All applicants will be interviewed to check eligibility.

Why should I choose USP College?

At USP College, our Early Years Professional Leadership programme combines small class sizes, expert teaching and strong links with the early years sector to provide an accessible and affordable route into higher education.

Taught in supportive group settings, the course offers personalised guidance, regular contact with tutors and a strong focus on professional practice. You will develop practical, applied skills through classroom learning, placements and simulated activities, exploring areas such as child development, safeguarding, inclusive practice, leadership and quality improvement.

With significantly lower tuition fees than many universities, this course offers excellent value for money while maintaining high academic standards. Guest speakers, workshops and clear progression routes into employment, leadership roles and university top up degrees further support student success.

Additional costs

You will need to purchase basic stationery such as pens, notebooks, folders and organisers to support your studies throughout the course. While no single textbook covers all aspects of Early Years education and leadership, you may find it helpful to access recommended undergraduate level texts related to child development, safeguarding and early years practice; however, these are not essential, as core learning resources will be provided.

There may also be small additional costs for optional enrichment activities, such as visits to partner universities, guest speakers from the early years sector, workshops, or professional development sessions designed to enhance your learning experience and employability.

What could I do next?

This Early Years Professional Leadership programme provides a strong academic and practical foundation for a range of career pathways within early education and care, as well as opportunities for further study.

Graduates may progress into roles across Early Years settings, including practitioner, senior practitioner and leadership or management positions, supporting children’s learning, development and wellbeing. There are clear progression routes that facilitate opportunities for students to progress towards further qualifications.

On graduation, students may continue their career in Early Years practice or progress into higher level study, including entry to the BA (Hons) Education Studies & Early Years at USP College (subject to entry requirements). The course equips students with the knowledge, professional skills and applied experience needed to pursue a rewarding and meaningful career within the Early Years sector. 

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