About The Course

Which route is for you?

See here what is common to both pathways and what differentiates them.

Crossfields Institute Level 4 Diploma in Steiner Waldorf Early Childhood Studies (Early Years Educator). This course is Ofqual regulated. A Quality Mark programme in Steiner Waldorf Early Childhood Studies (endorsed by Crossfields Institute)
For those who require an accredited, full and relevant early childhood qualification for working in English settings - Crossfields Institute Level 4 Diploma in Steiner Waldorf Early Childhood Studies (EYE) For those who:
  • already have a recognised full and relevant Level 3, (EYE), or higher, qualification in early years education.
  • live and work outside England and have an appropriate early childhood qualification accepted locally.
  • are enrolling on the setting funded one-year EYTS programme at Sheffield Hallam University.

In each of the two years attend five long weekends in York and two five-day residentials in Stourbridge (near Birmingham). In addition, there will be regular online sessions to complete a schedule in which we meet you every month. The online sessions will provide time to consolidate your learning in the face-to-face sessions and to further your collaboration in developing what you have learnt.

Attendance at both the face-to-face and the online sessions is a requirement of completing both the existing accredited route and the new non-accredited route.

Over the two years, you will:

  • Gain an understanding of the human being and child development based on the indications of Rudolf Steiner
  • Explore how Steiner Waldorf education has developed over the past one hundred years and is still developing to meet today's challenges and opportunities.
  • Experience artistic and practical experiences to fire your creativity and equip you for day-to-day work in Steiner Waldorf settings, or to bring these experiences into settings sympathetic to Steiner- inspired practice.
  • Engage with such elements as a study journal, exercises in observing and reflecting on children, artistic and handwork tasks, presentations, and discussions.
  • Be supported by our team of experienced core and guest tutors on this exciting journey while you work and grow together as a group ready to support and challenge each other. NESWEC is a small organisation where students receive individual attention and support, and where student groups can form close bonds and create networks which will last through their future careers.
Complete a range of written assignments to meet the requirements of this Level 4 qualification. This will require the equivalent of about one day of study time per week during term time. Substantial written requirements are not required but suggestions for further study will be given and evidence of your engagement with the course required. This will be a practical option for those working full-time in an early childhood setting.
Placement experience is required for both pathways. To embed theory in practice there will be a placement of 30 days (or sessions) in a Steiner Waldorf early childhood setting for each of the two years of the course. Where a student is already working in an early childhood setting, other options can be discussed.
Be reassured that this is a Crossfield Institute qualification, Ofqual regulated with a high degree of quality assurance. Be reassured that Crossfields Institute will support us in maintaining high standards as it will be a Crossfield Institute Quality Mark programme.
Complete the two-year programme with a Level 4 qualification, including EYE, full and relevant for the Ofsted ratios for working with young children in England. Complete the two-year programme with a Crossfields Quality Mark programme certificate.
Both pathways are recognised by the International Association of Steiner Waldorf Early Childhood (IASWECE) as internationally recognised Steiner Waldorf qualifications and can be used worldwide alongside local qualification requirements.
Both pathways allow you to continue your journey onto our one-year placement-based Level 5 programme for a Diploma in Steiner Waldorf Early Childhood Studies: Leadership and Management (this confers 240 credit points towards a Level 6).

Websites for more information:

Steiner Waldorf Schools Fellowship www.steinerwaldorf.org

International Association of Steiner Waldorf Early Childhood Education www.iaswece.org

Crossfields Institute crossfieldsinstitute.com