Content of course

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. Students will undertake a work placement in a suitable setting, which will support their work in Unit 4. 

The 4 mandatory units you will study are:

Unit 1 - 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. 

Unit 2 - 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. 

Unit 3 - 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. 

Unit 4 - 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.

Teaching and assessment 

Delivered through classroom teaching and learning activities, guest speakers, visits, placement. Students may sit each externally assessed unit a maximum of 3 times. Internally assessed units can be granted a resubmission if specific requirements are met and additionally one retake if minimum criteria are not met.

Progression opportunities

Students may progress on to degree studies, including:

• Nursing – BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing, Nursing – Child – BSc (Hons) 

• Teacher Training – Childhood and Early Years Studies BA (Hons)   

• Social Work – BA (Hons) Social Work

• Psychology – Psychology BSc (Hons).