Child Development and Care

Subject Leader: Miss J Wisdom

If you wish to learn more about our curriculum please contact the Subject Lead by clicking on their name above.

Key Stage 4

NCFE CACHE Level 1/2 Technical Award in Child Development and Care

Exam Board: NCFE CACHE

Course Overview

This course provides the opportunity to gain a vocational qualification that gives a basic introduction to the sector. This includes the knowledge and understanding of child development and well-being necessary for working with children in a variety of settings, and the roles and responsibilities they will have as a childcare worker.

Assessment:

The qualification has 2 assessments externally-set by NCFE: one non-exam assessment and one written examined assessment.

• 16 hours non-exam assessment - This is externally-set, internally marked and externally moderated: synoptic project that is completed in controlled conditions (50% of the final grade)

• 1 hour 30 minutes examined assessment - This is externally-set and externally marked, written exam (50% of the final grade)

Year 10

Term 1

How do our actions as adults shape a child's growth from head to toe?
How can we spot if a young child is growing and learning on track?
How do we choose the right childcare setting for different families?

Term 2

What makes a brilliant Early Years worker, and why does our behavior matter?
How can we spot if a young child is growing and learning on track?

Term 3

Who is on a child’s 'support team' and how do we work together to help them thrive?
What shapes how a child grows up, and how can we help them handle big life changes?

Term 4

How do everyday routines like snack time and washing hands help a young child grow?
How do nursery laws and rules keep children safe and happy?

Term 5

How do we use toys and play activities to help a young child's brain and body grow?

Term 6

How do we use our 'detective eyes' to observe and understand a child's growth?

Year 11

Term 1:

How do we put a child's favorite things at the center of our nursery planning?

Term 2:

Controlled assessment practice

Term 3:

Controlled assessment

Term 4:

Controlled assessment

Term 5:

Revision

Term 6:

Exam

Key Stage 5

Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification

BTEC National in Early Childhood Development (Extended Certificate)

Exam Board: Pearson

Course Overview

The Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) BTEC National in Early Childhood Development allows students to explore the essential aspects of the early years and education sectors. Focuses include understanding how children grow, learn, and stay safe, with opportunities to develop practical skills through applied tasks and early years scenarios. This qualification is ideal for those interested in studying early childhood alongside other subjects (like Psychology or Sociology), paving the way to a wide range of higher education courses and future careers in primary teaching, child psychology, or early years management.

Assessment:

Year 1: Externally assessed mandatory units

Exams: One exam per unit (focusing on core child development and safeguarding principles). Each exam is worth 80 marks and lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Questions: A mix of multiple-choice, short-answer, and long-answer questions.

Year 2: Internally Assessed mandatory units.

Synoptic Assessment: Pearson sets an assignment brief (PSAB) per unit. These are marked internally by centres and verified externally by Pearson.

Grading: BTEC National qualifications are graded on a scale from P (Pass) to D* (Distinction*).