A sixth-form course for 16 to 18 year olds. Aged 19 or over? See Nursery Practitioner Courses in Northumberland.
Mandatory Topics:
Unit 1 - Children’s Development (exam) Learners will gain an understanding of children’s developmental progress from birth up to seven years 11 months. Unit 2 - Development of Children’s Communication, Literacy and Numeracy Skills (exam) Learners will gain an understanding of how children develop literacy, language, numeracy and communication skills and how to promote and support this development. Unit 3 - Play and Learning (assignment) Learners study the benefits of play, the influence of theories and approaches to play, and how to provide and support purposeful play and learning activities for children.
Optional Topics (one to be selected by the teacher): Unit 5 - Keeping Children Safe (assignment) Learners study the responsibilities of a professional to promote and maintain health and safety, and what to do in an emergency or when there are concerns about a child’s welfare. Unit 6 - Children’s Physical Development, Care and Health Needs (assignment) Learners study the physical care and health needs of children, develop skills to support these needs and learn how to recognise ill health and support ongoing health conditions. Unit 8 - Working with Parents and Others in Early Years (assignment) Learners study the role of parents and how to develop professional relationships with parents, early years professionals and others to achieve the best possible outcomes for children. Unit 11 - The Early Years Foundation Stage (assignment) Learners study the structure and purpose of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
Jobs you could do
What you could study next
This children's play, learning and development qualification opens several routes forward. A Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification is recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work, so it's a strong next step if you want to count in ratio. Many learners also use this BTEC to apply for a Foundation Degree or BA in Early Childhood Studies, Education, or a related subject at university.
