Thornleigh Sixth Form Early Child Development

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The Pearson Level 3 Award in Early Childhood Education and Care (AAQ) is a qualification designed for individuals who want to work with children in early childhood settings, typically before they enter formal education (ages 0-5). It provides foundational knowledge and skills in key areas like child development, safeguarding, health and safety, and communication. The qualification helps learners understand the various roles and responsibilities of working with children, and it includes a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

Entry Requirements

The general Thornleigh Sixth Form entry criteria will be applied.

What will I Study?

1. Child Development:

Physical, Social, and Cognitive Development.
Theories of Development.
The Impact of Early Experiences.

2. Supporting Children’s Play and Learning:

Importance of Play.
Planning and Delivering Activities.
Role of the Practitioner.

3. Safeguarding and Welfare:

Child Protection.
Legal and Regulatory Frameworks.
Promoting Well-being.

4. Supporting Health and Safety in Early Years Settings:

Health and Hygiene.
Risk Assessment.
Emergency Procedures.

5. Professional Practice:

Ethical and Professional Behaviour.
Reflective Practice.

6. Working with Families:

Partnerships with Parents.
Cultural Competence.

7. Understanding the Role of the Early Years Practitioner:

Key Principles of Early Years Care and Education.
Working with Other Professionals.

Which exam board is used and how will I be assessed?

The exam board is Pearson.

Unit 1: Children’s Development - an external examination set and marked by Pearson: 80 marks.

Unit 2: Keeping Children Safe - an external examination set and marked by Pearson: 80 marks.

Synoptic Assessment:

The assessment of synoptic knowledge requires students to apply learning from one unit to the assessment in another unit. Within the assessment for Unit 4: Research and Reflective Practice in an Early Childhood Setting, students will be assessed on underpinning knowledge, ideas and concepts from Unit 1: Children’s Development and Unit 2: Keeping Children Safe. Synoptic links are flagged within the units.

Where could this subject take me?

Early Years Practitioner:

Role: Work directly with children, providing care, learning support, and helping with developmental milestones.
Settings: Nurseries, preschools, childminding, and early years classrooms.
Key Responsibilities: Safeguarding children, planning and implementing activities, supporting children's learning, and maintaining records.

Family Support Worker:

Role: Support families and children who may face challenges in accessing early childhood services.
Settings: Local government, family support services, and community organizations.
Key Responsibilities: Helping families with accessing services, providing parenting support, and advocating for children's needs.

Early Years Educator:

Role: Deliver early years education, focusing on supporting the development of children in their early years (usually within a preschool or nursery setting).
Settings: Preschools, nurseries, early years centers.
Key Responsibilities: Planning and delivering educational activities, tracking children's progress, and creating a safe and enriching environment for learning.

Nursery Manager / Early Years Manager:

Role: Oversee the running of a nursery or early years setting, including staffing, curriculum development, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
Settings: Nursery schools, daycare centers, private early years settings.
Key Responsibilities: Managing staff, creating educational plans, maintaining health and safety standards, and liaising with parents.

How can I get ahead in this subject

Understand Legislation and Policies:

Be familiar with the key policies, laws, and guidelines in early childhood education, such as:

Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults (e.g., The Children Act 1989/2004 in the UK).
Equality Act 2010 (to understand inclusive practices).
EYFS Framework (if in the UK) or equivalent early years frameworks in other countries.

Resources You Can Use:

Books: Look for specific books recommended by your course provider or official curriculum guides.
Websites: Sites like the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) or Pre-School Learning Alliance (PSLA) are great for up-to-date practices and resources.
Videos/Online Learning Platforms: Websites like FutureLearn or YouTube channels focused on early childhood education.