Value-added curriculum
Why choose Norland
Gaining skills through our value-added curriculum is what truly sets our graduates apart
An early years degree and diploma from Norland is unlike any other early childhood studies qualification. It’s our value-added curriculum that truly makes ours an early years degree with a difference.
Thoulstone Park
As an early bonding opportunity, you’ll visit Thoulstone Park in Wiltshire during Welcome Week and take part in a range of outdoor activities, from canoeing to forest walks.
Children’s theatre
Opened in 2005, the egg is one of the few specialised children’s theatres outside London. A three-hour workshop delivered by an expert practitioner will help you to build confidence and creativity and strengthen the bonds you share with your peers. You’ll also learn drama games that you can take to your placements and enjoy with the children in your care.
Security and cybersecurity training
You’ll receive specialist security training from former military intelligence officers, including how to stay safe online and how to deal with potential security risks, as part of your Employment Weeks training.
Forest school
While studying at Norland, you’ll spend a day at forest school creating and developing a range of activities for children of various ages. These experiential activities are important for developing reflective practice.
Self-defence training
You’ll receive self-defence training led by a highly respected 7th-degree black belt in tae kwon do. You’ll attend a three-hour workshop in self-defence early on in your training. You’ll attend a second self-defence class during Employment Weeks as a refresher and to learn how to protect your charges in buggies and prams or while walking.
Norland diploma activity day
In your first year, you’ll spend a day out devoted to the Norland diploma programme, exploring a range of activities transferable for use with children of all ages. A lovely way to round off the first year of study at Norland.
Skid pan driving
You’ll undertake skid pan driving in your final year during Employment Weeks to learn how to control a car under any circumstances, including adverse weather conditions, handling distractions from children in the vehicle and other potential hazards and risks.
Children’s Hospice South West
Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) cares for children and families who live in South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset, West Wiltshire, Bristol, and North Somerset. The hospice is an imaginative restoration of a listed farm and farm buildings, which has retained the homely feel of the farmhouse while providing stunning and spacious accommodation. In your second year, you’ll visit the hospice to gain an insight into how it runs and to introduce you to the environment and the volunteers who keep the hospice open through fundraising.
Infant massage workshop
During Employment Weeks, you’ll attend an infant massage workshop focused on connection, communication and closeness. Exploring the origins of this worldwide practice and learning about the benefits of using infant massage on babies and infants, you’ll gain a deep insight into how baby massage promotes positive nurturing touch and beneficial connections between parent/caregiver and child. You’ll learn how this ancient art connects deeply with infants, helping you to understand their non-verbal language and respond with love and respectful listening, empowering you as a caregiver.
Guest lectures
Guest lecturers are regularly welcomed to Norland to share their expert knowledge and experience in a range of fields. The programme is updated each year to ensure you have access to the very latest early years research and expertise throughout your three years of training. Recent guest lectures include anti-discriminatory practice and physical development masterclasses.
Your Employment Weeks will fully prepare you for the world of work
In the final year of your early years degree, you’ll gain vital employment skills in preparation for your Newly Qualified Nanny (NQN) year. You’ll spend eight weeks in a series of lectures and activities specifically designed to prepare you for your first role.
The schedule changes each year but a typical Employment Weeks programme may include: baby massage, children with food, London orientation, bereavement coaching, finance and contracts, safeguarding, fire safety, first aid, interview techniques, Aga training and Debrett’s etiquette training to improve your communication skills and build your confidence in any social situation. You are not required to wear uniform during your Employment Weeks.
Students share their Norland stories
