Key Stage 4: Child Development

Curriculum Intent

Our Cambridge National in Child Development will encourage students to:

  • understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Child Development to include health and well-being, creating a safe environment, the nutritional needs of children from birth to five years, and the development of children from one to five years
  • develop learning and practical skills that can be applied to real-life contexts and work situations
  • think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically
  • develop independence and confidence in using skills that would be relevant to the childcare sector and more widely.

 

 Qualification Structure

You will study key knowledge, understanding and skills that relate to working in the Child Development sector. You will also have the opportunity to apply what you learn by completing practical activities. This qualification has three mandatory units:

  • Unit R057: Health and well-being for child development This is assessed by an exam. In this unit you will learn about the importance of pre-conception health and reproduction, antenatal care and preparation for birth. You’ll also learn about postnatal care and the conditions in which a child can thrive.

Topics include:

  • Pre-conception health and reproduction
  • Antenatal care and preparation for birth
  • Postnatal checks, postnatal care and the conditions for development
  • Childhood illnesses and a child safe environment.

 

  • Unit R058: Create a safe environment and understand the nutritional needs of children from birth to five years This is assessed by a set assignment. In this unit you will learn how to create a safe environment for children from birth to five years in childcare settings. You’ll research and choose equipment that is suitable and safe for use and will learn about children’s nutrition and dietary needs.

Topics include:

  • Creating a safe environment in a childcare setting
  • Choosing suitable equipment for a childcare setting
  • Nutritional needs of children from birth to five years.

 

  • Unit R059: Understand the development of a child from one to five years This is assessed by a set assignment. In this unit you will learn the physical, intellectual and social developmental norms for children from one to five years. You’ll understand the importance of creating plans and providing different play activities to support children in their development.

Topics include:

  • Physical, intellectual and social developmental norms from one to five years
  • Stages and types of play and how play benefits development
  • Observe the development of a child aged one to five years
  • Plan and evaluate play activities for a child aged one to five years for a chosen area of development.

For further information regarding the course please speak to a member of the Child Development Team.