Back of report The University of Plymouth Colleges (UPC) Higher Education Learning Partnerships (HELP) Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) The HELP CETL was part of a national network of 74 CETLs funded by HEFCE to reward excellence in learning and teaching and to promote educational research. The HELP CETL was funded [2005‐2010] to support higher education (HE) in further education (FE) development. It built on the existing excellence of the UPC partnership within the South West region and sought to work with individuals, groups and institutions in the development of HE in FE practice. The UPC Faculty was established in 2003 and supports a network of 19 partner institutions delivering higher education to students in their local area. Provision has grown to more than 9,500 students in 2008. Those studying on Foundation Degrees also have the opportunity to progress to the University of Plymouth where they can progress to an honours degree. Development Activities within the HELP CETL The Development Activity strand was introduced to take forward the strategic priorities of UPC, funding projects ranging from short studies with a small number of participants to large scale work stretching over more than one academic year. Flexible Learning in Early Childhood Studies (FLECS): expectations and experiences of students and staff Ulrike Hohmann and Amanda Sharman