Fateha

Fateha completed a Level 3 childcare qualification locally but felt unprepared for the academic demands of a honours degree. The BA (Hons) Education and Early Years with foundation year at UCO provided structured support in academic writing, research and critical thinking before progressing to the main programme.

Foundation year tutors created a welcoming environment where questions were encouraged and study skills were taught explicitly. Fateha built friendships with peers from diverse backgrounds who shared similar goals in education and care.

On progression to the full degree, Fateha excelled in modules on curriculum design and leadership in early years settings. She completed a placement with a children's centre focused on family engagement programmes.

Fateha now manages an early years team and is exploring postgraduate study in education leadership. She advocates for foundation year routes as a accessible pathway into higher education.