Child Development & Care

Child Development & Care

Qualification Level and Examination Board: Level 1 and 2  NCFE CACHE Technical Award in Child Development and Care in the Early Years

How is the course assessed?

There are two graded assessments:

• one written short answer and multiple choice exam

• one external assessment assignment/project written over 14 hours.

Only one attempt at each assessment is permitted.

What is the content of the course?

The course is designed for learners who want an introduction to child development and care that includes a vocational and project-based element. The qualification will appeal to learners who wish to pursue a career in the

early years sector or progress onto further study. It will promote the learner’s understanding of children (birth to 5 years) and will focus on:

• Holistic child development

• Factors that influence a child’s development

• Care routines and activities to support a child

• Regulation, policies and procedures in the early years

• Expectations of an early years practitioner

• Roles and responsibilities within early years settings

• The importance of observations in early years childcare

• The purpose of planning in early years childcare

What could I study Post-16?

This course provides good preparation to study Level 2 Health & Social Care (Childcare pathway) and Level 3 Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator), as well as for the Level 3 Apprenticeship for the Early Years Workforce. The course also covers some topics explored further in A level Biology and Sociology, and IB Biology and Psychology. 

What possible careers could I have?

Learners could progress into employment or onto an apprenticeship. The understanding and skills gained through this qualification could be useful to progress onto an apprenticeship in the early years sector through a variety of occupations that are available within the sector, such as early years practitioners, early years educators and teaching assistants. 

Additional information

There are no specific prior skills/knowledge a learner must have for this qualification. However a strong interest in child development and care is essential.