The part-time degree course at Liverpool Hope, which is based in the International School of Business, Information Technology and Enterprise, can be completed in up to six years. It is aimed at staff working in day nurseries, creches, out-of-school clubs and nursery schools. Students are expected to hold initial qualifications such as the NNEB, the NVQ level 3 in childcare or its equivalent. However, mature students who can demonstrate they would benefit from studying nursery management at degree level are 'actively encouraged' to apply.
Petra Luck, the award director at Hope, said, 'This unique degree programme will also add to the status of childcare professions locally and nationally.' She said the course is 'unique in terms of direct relevance to the market and unique in that it is being delivered on a flexible basis'.
The course has three levels. At level one, the modules cover topics such as developing business skills, internal and external business environments, structures of educare providers, and working in partnership with parents. Level two modules cover concepts and themes including management theory and practice, marketing, finance and budgets, and human resource management, plus further modules on children's health and anti-discriminatory practice. At level three, the modules include strategic management, and social policy and legislation.
Currently 27 students are enrolled on the course, which was developed with the help of local employers, vocational training providers and the National Day Nurseries Association, and is supported by the nursery chain Busy Bees. For information contact Petra Luck on 0151 291 3744.
