About this course
This course is ideal for students who are interested in working with children and want to understand how young people develop, learn and thrive. It provides an excellent foundation for learners considering careers in education, healthcare, social care, psychology or other professions that support children and families.
Throughout the course, students will explore key areas of Early Years development, including how children grow from birth to eight years old, how play supports learning and how professionals create safe and supportive environments. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical understanding, helping students develop insight into the responsibilities of those working in Early Childhood settings.
Students will explore the importance of safeguarding, health and safety, communication and reflective practice. They will learn how research influences professional approaches and how practitioners use evidence to improve the support they provide for children.
This qualification is equivalent to one A Level and can be studied alongside other A Levels as part of a wider study programme. It is particularly valuable for students who enjoy working with people, are interested in child development and want to progress towards university courses or careers in teaching, nursing, social work or psychology.
What will you learn?
Throughout the course, students will explore the development, care and education of children through four key areas of study:
Children’s Development
Understanding how children develop physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially from birth to eight years old.
Exploring how factors such as family, environment, health and experiences influence development.
Examining different stages of childhood development and the importance of early support.
Keeping Children Safe
Understanding safeguarding responsibilities within Early Years settings.
Exploring health and safety procedures.
Learning about risk assessment and emergency procedures.
Developing awareness of how professionals protect children’s wellbeing.
Play and Learning
Exploring why play is essential for children’s learning and development.
Understanding different theories of play and learning.
Investigating how activities can support children’s creativity, communication, literacy and numeracy skills.
Developing knowledge of how practitioners plan meaningful learning experiences.
Research and Reflective Practice
Understanding how research influences Early Years education.
Exploring how professionals use reflection to improve their practice.
Developing the ability to evaluate approaches and make informed decisions.
Students will also develop an understanding of professional practice and how Early Years workers support children’s development, learning and wellbeing.
Who is this course aimed at?
This course is aimed at students who are interested in working with children or supporting families and communities. It is particularly suitable for learners who are considering careers in teaching, nursing, social work, childcare, psychology or related professions.
Students who enjoy understanding people, exploring how children learn and developing practical solutions to support others will benefit from this course. It is ideal for learners who want to combine academic study with an understanding of real-world Early Years practice.
The course supports students who want to progress to university or employment by developing knowledge of child development, safeguarding and professional practice. It is also suitable for students who enjoy research, discussion and applying theory to real-life situations.
Students should have achieved five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including Maths and English Language. This course is best suited to students who are interested in children’s development, education, health and wellbeing. It is ideal for learners who want to develop knowledge and practical skills for progression into higher education, apprenticeships or careers working with children and families.
Assessment takes place through a combination of examinations (50%) and internally assessed coursework (50%). Students will complete written assignments and practical coursework tasks alongside an externally assessed examination. Assessments will develop students’ ability to apply knowledge, analyse research and reflect on professional practice within Early Childhood settings.
Students will develop skills in:
Child Development and Care Skills
Understanding how children develop and learn through play
Supporting children’s literacy and numeracy development
Safeguarding awareness
Health and safety knowledge
Understanding professional responsibilities
Research and Academic Skills
Critical thinking
Research and evaluation
Applying theories to real-life situations
Reflective practice
Academic writing
Professional Skills
Communication and interpersonal skills
Teamwork
Problem-solving
Working with children and families
Professional behaviour through work placement opportunities
These skills provide excellent preparation for further study and employment within education, healthcare and social care sectors.
Progression routes
This qualification provides an excellent foundation for progression into higher education, apprenticeships and careers involving children, health and social support.
Possible progression routes include degree courses and careers in:
Nursing (Adult or Child Nursing)
Childhood and Early Years Studies
Teaching and Education
Teacher Training
Social Work
Psychology
Childcare and Early Years Practice
Health and Community Services
Students may progress to university courses such as Nursing, Childhood Studies, Education, Social Work or Psychology. The knowledge, research skills and understanding of child development developed throughout the course provide strong preparation for careers supporting children, young people and families.
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