This course is suitable for students aged 19 and over.
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.
Start Date and Duration
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 Knowsley Main Campus, Huyton, Liverpool, L36 3SD.
Entry Requirements
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.
How is it assessed?
Assessment for this course can be by observation, witness testimony or examination of your work portfolio.
The majority of assessment will be work-based, using independent research, study and real experiences.
Do I need any previous qualifications to start this course?
This qualification is required for Managers of adult residential and domiciliary services or children’s homes.
The Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services can also help you to develop your skills and experience in roles such as:
- Adult Nurse
- Children’s Services Manager
- Nursery Manager
- Care Home Manager
- Care Worker
- Children’s Nurse
- Health Promotion / Education Specialist
- Health Service Manager
- Learning Disability Nurse
- Mental Health Nurse
- Residential Warden
- Social Worker
- Supervisor / Team Leader
- Volunteer Manager
- Youth and Community Worker
Degree Overview
| Approved By: |  |
|---|---|
| UCAS Code: | X313 |
| Institution Code: | S51 |
| Entry Requirements: | 240 Credits |
| Programme Specification: | View full Programme Specification here |
| Programme Leader: |
Rachel Maloney | RMaloney@sthelens.ac.uk |
Modules
| 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 Environment and Assessment
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.
Tuition Fees
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. |
Careers and Progression
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.