What We Do
Our Childcare course is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of child development and care. This is achieved through three comprehensive units, combining both coursework and examination to ensure a balanced approach to theoretical and practical learning.
Course Structure and Units:
1. R057: Health and Well-being for Child Development
- Topics include:
- Pre-conception health and reproduction
- Antenatal care and preparation for birth
- Postnatal checks, postnatal care, and conditions for development
- Childhood illnesses and creating a child-safe environment
- Assessment: 1 hour 15-minute examination
2. R058: Create a Safe Environment and Understand the Nutritional Needs of Children from Birth to Five Years
- Topics include:
- Creating a safe environment in a childcare setting
- Choosing suitable and safe equipment for a childcare setting
- Nutritional needs of children from birth to five years
- Assessment: OCR-set assignment
3.R059: Understand the Development of a Child from One to Five Years
- Topics include:
- Physical, intellectual, and social developmental norms from one to five years
- Stages and types of play and how play benefits development
- Observing the development of a child aged one to five years
- Planning and evaluating play activities for a child aged one to five years for a chosen area of development
- Assessment: OCR-set assignment
Why We Do It
Child Development is a vital subject for understanding the needs of children and supporting their well-being. This course prepares students for a variety of pathways by focusing on the following:
- Practical Skills and Applied Knowledge: Students learn skills that are not only relevant to academic progression but also essential for real-world challenges, such as creating safe environments, planning nutritional meals, and supporting developmental milestones.
- Cross-Curricular Relevance: The subject draws on biology for understanding development and health, food science for nutrition, and PSHME for exploring emotional and social well-being.
- Career Preparation: The course is a gateway to careers such as Nursery Nurse, Early Years Teacher, Family Support Worker, Social Worker, and more, making it an excellent foundation for students with aspirations in childcare and related fields.
- Empowering Students: By equipping students with skills and knowledge to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families, this course fosters confidence and responsibility.
How Can I Help as a Student or Parent/Carer?
As a Student:
- Engage with the Course Material: Participate actively in lessons, ask questions, and connect what you learn to real-world scenarios.
- Stay Organised: Keep track of deadlines for coursework and plan your study time for exams effectively.
- Practice Skills at Home: Apply what you’ve learned, such as helping with meal planning, ensuring safety for younger siblings, or observing the development of children in your family or community.
As a Parent/Carer:
- Encourage Engagement with the Course:
- Show interest in your child’s learning by discussing topics like child safety or healthy eating habits.
- Praise their progress and celebrate milestones to boost their motivation and confidence.
- Support Coursework with Everyday Activities:
- Encourage your child to use their knowledge in daily tasks, such as discussing safety tips, planning meals, or observing younger children at play.
- Promote Organisation and Time Management:
- Help your child set small, realistic goals for completing assignments and preparing for exams.
- Check in regularly to provide encouragement and ensure tasks are manageable.
- Stay Connected with the School:
- Reach out to teachers if you need guidance on supporting your child.
- Attend meetings or progress updates to stay informed about their performance and needs.
