Childcare

The Child Development course is designed to provide vocational and project-based learning focused on early years education and care. Pupils gain practical knowledge and skills that prepare them for further study, training or careers within the childcare and education sectors.

The course develops pupils' understanding of how children grow, learn and develop from birth through the early years. Alongside subject-specific knowledge, pupils develop valuable transferable skills including communication, teamwork, organisation, planning and problem-solving, which support both further education and future employment.

Through real-world examples, practical activities and project-based learning, pupils are encouraged to think critically, apply professional working practices and analyse information to make informed decisions. The course provides insight into the responsibilities of working with children and the importance of promoting positive outcomes for young people.

This qualification is graded at Level 1 and Level 2, from Pass through to Distinction*, and provides a strong foundation for progression into Level 3 qualifications, T Levels, apprenticeships and careers within childcare, education, health and social care.

Aims of the EA Horizons Child Development Curriculum (Years 10 and 11)

The Child Development curriculum is designed to introduce pupils to the principles of child development and early years care within a vocational and practical framework. It aims to develop a secure foundation of core knowledge and sector-specific skills whilst fostering professionalism, independence and confidence.

The curriculum supports progression into further education and employment by providing pupils with an understanding of how children develop and how practitioners support learning, wellbeing and development during the early years.

Throughout the course, pupils study:

Child Development

Pupils develop an understanding of children's physical, intellectual, emotional and social development. They explore developmental milestones and examine how children grow, learn and progress during the early years.

Influencing Factors

Pupils investigate factors that can influence development, including genetic, environmental and social influences. They explore concepts such as nature and nurture, life experiences and transitions, and how different circumstances can affect outcomes for children.

Care Routines and Play

Pupils learn about the importance of daily care routines, including hygiene, nutrition, sleep and physical wellbeing. They also explore the role of play in supporting children's learning, development and creativity.

Early Years Provision

Pupils examine different types of early years settings and childcare provision. They explore facilities, accessibility, staffing structures and the ways in which settings support the needs of children and families.

Legislation and Professional Procedures

Pupils develop an understanding of the legislation, policies and procedures that underpin work in the childcare sector. Topics include safeguarding, health and safety, equality and inclusion, children's rights and the role of regulatory bodies.

Practitioner Expectations

Pupils explore the qualities and behaviours expected of professionals working in childcare and education. They develop an understanding of professionalism, communication, reliability, presentation, confidentiality and effective teamwork.

Roles and Responsibilities

Pupils investigate the different roles of professionals who work with children and families. They learn about multi-agency working, key adults and the importance of collaboration in supporting children's development and wellbeing.

Observation Skills

Pupils develop skills in observing children's learning and development. They learn different observation methods and explore how observations are recorded, evaluated and used to support planning and assessment.

Planning for Children's Development

Pupils apply their learning through child-centred planning. They learn how practitioners use the cycle of observing, assessing, planning, implementing and reviewing activities to support children's needs and development.

Assessment

The qualification is assessed through two components:

• External Examination (50%): A written examination that assesses pupils' understanding of the core content studied throughout the course.

• Synoptic Non-Examined Assessment (50%): A vocational project involving sector-relevant tasks and activities that are internally assessed and externally moderated.

Outcomes

By the end of Year 11, pupils will have developed a strong understanding of child development, early years practice and the professional standards expected within the childcare sector. They will have gained practical, analytical and communication skills that support progression into further education, apprenticeships and future careers within childcare, education, health and social care.

Subject Leader: Helen.Thompson@excelsiornewcastle.org.uk  

Child-Care-Curriculum.pdf