The University of Worcester’s BA in Early Childhood has been awarded one of the sector’s highest endorsements, securing the Early Childhood Graduate Practitioners Competencies Quality Mark.
The national accolade, awarded by the Early Childhood Studies Degrees Network (ECSDN), recognises courses that combine academic rigour with real-world practice – and confirms that Worcester’s programme is preparing graduates to enter the profession with confidence, credibility and impact.
For students, the quality mark is more than a badge of honour. It signals that their degree meets nationally recognised professional standards and equips them with the skills employers expect from day one.
Dr Emma Laurence, Course Leader, said the award reflected a long-standing commitment to practice-informed teaching and sector engagement.
“Being awarded this quality mark is a meaningful affirmation,” she said. “Not just of our collective commitment to excellence in teaching and academic support, but of the meaningful opportunities we create for students to engage with the sector from the very start.”
She added that the recognition sends a clear message to current and prospective students: “The Quality Mark provides assurance that learning is rigorous, relevant and recognised across the sector – and that our graduates are prepared not only to be excellent practitioners, but future leaders.”
The award followed a detailed external audit, with assessors describing the course as “exemplary” and noting that it “exceeds expectations”. Particular praise was given to the level of student support, the quality of placements and experiences, and the ambition students expressed for their future careers.
Dr Aaron Bradbury, an Executive Member of ECSDN, said the programme stood out for its values-led approach.
“The ECSDN Quality Mark is awarded to programmes that demonstrate a clear commitment to excellence in early childhood higher education,” he said. “The University of Worcester’s BA in Early Childhood reflects those principles – from research-informed teaching to professional integrity and a strong focus on the child.”
With national recognition now secured, the course strengthens Worcester’s reputation as a leading provider of early childhood education – and offers students a degree that carries weight well beyond graduation.
