Curriculum

CHILD CARE

This vocational qualification offers pupils a basic introduction to the childcare sector. It equips pupils with a knowledge and understanding of child development and wellbeing, focusing primarily on children from the ages of 0-5 years old. Pupils will focus on developing a range of practical skills and engagement techniques which are necessary for working with children in a variety of early years’ settings. They will learn about key stages in a child’s intellectual, physical and social development. Pupils will also learn about health and safety to ensure they are well-equipped to recognise and prevent any potential dangers to a child’s welfare. They will be encouraged to extend their understanding of the sector through appropriate role play and practical activities.

The below relates to the current Child Care course for pupils in Years 10 and 11.

Unit 1  Unit 2 

An introduction to working with children aged 0-5 years

  • The variety of settings that are available for children
  • The differences between the voluntary, private and statutory sectors and the range of provision within your area
  • The expectations of placements including appropriate dress, behaviour, timekeeping and positive attitudes
  • The responsibilities and limits of the role of the early years worker
  • The importance of treating children with fairness and equality and how to do this
  • The different learning styles that people use and how to identify their own preferred style and study skills

Childcare and development​

  • Stages of development of children aged 0-5 years
  • Factors that may affect children’s development
  • The variety of provision available for children in different sectors
  • The responsibilities of early years workers working with children
  • How to support children’s development and meet their individual needs
  • The different learning styles that people use and how to identify their own preferred style and study skills

Development and well-being

  • Physical development from birth to 5 years
  • Language development from birth to 5 years
  • Intellectual development from birth to 5 years
  • Social and emotional development from birth to 5 years
  • A range of methods early years workers can use for observing children
  • How to share observations with colleagues to promote development
  • The importance of confidentiality and recording accurate information (objectivity) when observing children
  • The factors that contribute to development
  • The care needs of individual children
  • The importance of supporting the health and well-being of the child
  • How to encourage and maintain good hygiene and hygiene routines
  • How to safeguard children to keep them safe and healthy
  • The importance of routines for everyday care in supporting children’s development
  • Recognising the importance of a secure base for children’s development
  • The transitions experienced by children, and the possible effects on children
  • How to support children through transitions to provide consistency and reassurance including the role of the key person in the early years

 

To be awarded this qualification, pupils are required to successfully achieve all learning outcomes from the single graded mandatory unit.

Mandatory Units

  • Understanding child development and care in the early years (K/618/6064)

Content areas

  • Content area 1: Child development
  • Content area 2: Factors that influence the child’s development
  • Content area 3: Care routines, play and activities to support the child
  • Content area 4: Early years provision
  • Content area 5: Legislation, policies and procedures in the early years
  • Content area 6: Expectations of the early years practitioner
  • Content area 7: Roles and responsibilities within early years settings
  • Content area 8: The importance of observations in early years childcare
  • Content area 9: Planning in early years childcare
Assessment

Internal assessments take place every half-term.

KS4 Exam Board Specification: NCFE CACHE Level 2 Technical Award in Child Development and Care 

 

Enrichment Offer

The Department offers subject-specific enrichment clubs and organises a range of educational visits throughout the year. Pupils are able to take part in school-wide competitions, as well as representing the Academy in local and national competitions designed to increase their engagement and enhance their subject knowledge. Intervention sessions to consolidate prior learning and ensure maximum progress are at the heart of our delivery model.