What will I learn on this module?
This module will involve you in thinking about leadership and management in the context of children’s learning, wellbeing and safeguarding in community based children’s services*. The module has a particular focus on working with others who can contribute towards better outcomes for children and their families. It will help you to think about why community based services for children and their families exist, what these services are required to do (with reference to current policy agendas), and how leaders can meet the challenges of working together to improve outcomes for children, young people and their families. Generally, the module will help you think about the importance of self-awareness and reflection, skills for collaboration with others, and the practical implications of implementing policy on topics such as early learning, public health and safeguarding.
*The focus will generally be on ‘targeted’ services (such as Children’s Centres, Family Centres, outreach youth work or sexual health services), as opposed to universal (e.g. health visiting) or specialist (e.g. Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services).
How will I learn on this module?
You will be able to learn in a wide variety of ways in this module. Your self-directed reading and learning activity will form an important part of your learning, as will a structured programme of lectures and follow-up seminars. Seminars will provide you with an opportunity to discuss and develop your thinking in a small group. A range of electronic and interactive resources will be available via the Electronic Learning Portal (eLP), including tutor’s video explanations and summaries which will complement lectures material, discussion boards and appropriate use of social media tools such as Twitter. Your development of knowledge and understanding in this module will be shaped by your ability to relate theories, concepts and frameworks to practical situations faced by leaders. As such, you will use theory to examine situations, and to diagnose particular challenges and opportunities which research and guidance suggests leaders face
How will I be supported academically on this module?
Tutors will support your learning through a variety of ways on this module. They will provide a programme of lectures which relate to the learning outcomes for the module; these lectures will make connections between theory and practice, as we expect you to do. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to work in a smaller seminar group where you will have the opportunity to discuss lecture content and your insights gained from directed tasks. Additionally, the tutor team can be contacted by email, and where appropriate and with your agreement, answers to your queries that would be beneficial to the whole group will be posted on the eLP discussion board so all may benefit
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. You will understand the key features of, and challenges faced by, community based services for children and their families who aim to support children’s learning, wellbeing or safeguarding.
2. You will be able to identify, appraise and discuss the influence and practical implications of relevant legislation, policy, guidance and standards that apply to leaders of early childhood services.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. You will critically assess and discuss the values, skills and knowledge demonstrated in practices of effective leaders of early childhood community based services.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. You will evaluate the importance of self-awareness and self-development (and their associated skills) for leaders in early childhood services and for your future career
How will I be assessed?
Summative assessment for this module is a single, 4,000 word assignment. You may select your assignment title from a small number (approx. 3) of options to be presented at the start of the module in the handbook. (MLOs 1,2,3,4)
Additional formative assessment - detail of process and rationale:
You will be required to develop a detailed plan for the summative assignment addressing both structure and content of your planned work, demonstrating ways in which you will meet the published assessment criteria. Tutors will specify the format of the plan which will require a series of narrative summaries of proposed material divided by sections and will also require details of references to academic literature. Students will receive a group tutorial to support them in the development of this plan and will submit this plan in sufficient time to receive detailed written formative feedback from module tutors.
You will receive feedback on the summative assessment via:
Written comments on assessed work, highlighting strengths and weaknesses and indicating pathways to the further development of knowledge and skills. Areas of concern will be linked to positive advice on how to address issues.
Pre-requisite(s)
None
Co-requisite(s)
None
Module abstract
N/A
Course info
UCAS Code W3P9
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time
Department Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing
Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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