Early Years
Curriculum Intent
The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Early Childhood Development (Extended Certificate) allows students to engage in a broad investigation of the children’s care and education sector (0-8 years). There are four mandatory units; two examined and two internally assessed. The internally assessed units give students the opportunity to engage in applied knowledge and understanding tasks to develop their early childhood development knowledge. The examination specifications have been carefully chosen by departmental staff with expertise in each area to ensure the course best fits the needs of our learners.
It is strongly recommended that students undertake a work placement whilst enrolled on this course. The work placement setting should be with children from birth up to eight years and support students with completion of Unit 4: Research and Reflective Practice in an Early Childhood Setting.
Why should I study Early Childhood Development?
It is designed for post-16 students with an interest in Education and Early Years and aiming to progress to higher education as a route to graduate level employment. Equivalent to one A Level in size, it is suitable for students looking to develop their applied knowledge and skills in Education and Early Years as part of a study programme alongside A Levels. The qualification has four mandatory units covering the following topics:
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Children’s development – Children’s developmental progress from birth up to eight years, including the theories, principles and factors relating to development, and the potential impact of a range of factors on a child’s progress through the developmental milestones.
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Keeping Children Safe – Health and safety and safeguarding responsibilities of an individual working in an early years setting; emergency best practices and when to address concerns about a child’s welfare.
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Play and Learning – The concept of play, the influence of theories and approaches to play, and the benefits of play and learning activities for children.
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Research and Reflective Practice – The influence of research findings on policy and provision for children and how this influences the behaviours and expectations of an individual working in an early years setting.
What skills will I gain?
The units will give learners an understanding of child development in the contexts of different environments and settings where care takes place. Throughout the course students are required to build independence, organisation, communication, presentation and skills of academic research.
Students will develop the following knowledge and skills:
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Knowledge and understanding of children's development, importance of play and learning in development, and health and safeguarding practices
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Knowledge and understanding of how research findings influence legislation, policy and provisions for children.
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Skills to support the safeguarding and maintenance of children's safety, including in emergencies
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Skills to support children’s play and learning experiences, including numeracy and literacy • Critical thinking, secondary research and reflective practice skills.
What career paths is Early Childhood Development suitable for?
This course supports careers in all nursing disciplines, including: Midwifery, Mental Health, Child and Adult Nursing, Social Work, and any Education related careers, particularly Early Years.
Entry requirements
Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above; including English and/or maths.
National data suggests successful students will have achieved an average points score of 4.0 or more.