This course develops the knowledge and skills required to pursue a career in child care and discusses the role of childcare practitioners throughout. Students will be required to work independently and as a team and will spend time looking at case studies of children in a range of scenarios. Students should consistently demonstrate the Care Values by being tolerant and patient and promoting diversity. Students who choose to study Child Development will be interested in learning about the growth and development of children, how this can be measured and factors that affect it. Some of the factors cover sensitive topics such as neglect, abuse, alcoholism, poverty and bullying, considering their effect on a children’s growth and development. 

Students will study play and the benefits of activities to promote social skills such as sharing and communication and creativity and problem solving skills. Students will carry out risk assessments of play activities and learn how these can be adapted to suit the individual needs of children. Students will be good at meeting deadlines, and writing assignments. 

The course is split into 3 components, with 60% coursework and 40 % as a synoptic exam. All three components must be completed to receive the qualification;

Component 1: Children’s Growth and Development. You will need to complete two written assignments in controlled conditions. These are approximately 10 pages long or around 24 slides each. 

Component 2: Learning Through Play. You will need to complete two written assignments, again in controlled conditions within a time limit. These are typically around 10-16 slides in length. 

Component 3: Supporting Children to Play, Learn and Develop. You will complete a 2 hour exam covering all that you have learnt at the end of Year 11. 

• An apprenticeship in childcare

• Employment at a nursery 

• Level 3 Child Development course

• Level 3 Health and Social Care at HDHS

• Part time work opportunities as a babysitter

• Progression to teaching, child care, social worker, nursing, paramedic