This qualification is for learner who wish to develop applied knowledge and practical skills in child development. It is designed with both practical and theoretical elements, which will prepare students for further qualifications in Child Care, Health and Social Care, Psychology, Sociology and Biology.
All students will study three mandatory topics as follows: Health and well-being for child development Understand the equipment and nutritional needs of children from birth to five years Understand the development norms of a child from birth to five years.
Topic 1: Students will develop the essential knowledge and understanding in child development, covering reproduction, parental responsibility, antenatal care, birth, postnatal checks, postnatal provision, conditions for development, childhood illnesses and child safety. Knowledge gained would be of use for further studies in PHSE, Biology and other child development qualifications.
Topic 2: Students will gain knowledge of a nursery setting through planning and considering all aspects from accident prevention and safety, to choosing equipment that is appropriate when considering specific factors that will meet their needs. Nutrition and hygiene practices are also explored and students will be given the opportunity to investigate feeding solutions by comparing nutritional requirements and evaluating the outcomes. On completion of this unit, students will have a greater understanding of a childcare setting and the provision of nurturing required.
Topic 3: Students will gain an understanding of the development norms from birth to five years and the stages and benefits of play. Students will gain knowledge of, and skills in, developing activities to observe development norms in children up to the age of five. This topic will include researching, planning and carrying out activities with a child and observing and evaluating these activities, as well as comparing the child to the expected development norms.