Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Early Childhood development (Extended Certificate)

“Children are not a distraction from work. They are the most important work”

C.S. Lewis

This qualification allows students to engage in a broad investigation of the children’s care and education sector (0-8 years). 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. The qualification is designed to be taken alongside A Levels as part of a study programme and can link to learning in A Levels in Sociology, Psychology, Biology and English. It is intended for students that wish to progress into higher education as a pathway to employment.

Entry requirements

Entry onto Level 3 courses includes students achieving 4 x Grade 9-4 or equivalent at GCSE alongside a Grade 4 or above in English and/or Mathematics. Students with either English and/or Mathematics at Grade 3 or below will have individual meetings to determine the most suitable pathway within the Sixth Form.

Course description

The qualification has four mandatory units covering the following topics: 

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. (Externally assessed)

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. (Externally assessed)

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. (Internally assessed)

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. (Internally assessed)

The qualification carries UCAS points and if it is taken alongside other qualifications as part of a two-year programme of learning, then it is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements for many courses. It will support entry to many higher education courses, depending on the other qualifications learners have taken.

Exam board

Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Early Childhood development (Extended Certificate)

Assessments

Ways to help my child succeed

Coursework and exams can be challenging and stressful. In order to assist your child, talk to them, assist with revision strategies and encourage them to present/execute their work to the highest standards.

Useful resources

Revise BTEC National Children’s Play, Learning and Development Revision Guide Publisher: Pearson Author: Brenda Baker ISBN: 9781292150161

BTEC Nationals Children’s Play, Learning and Development Student Book Publisher: Pearson Author: Penny Tassoni,Brenda Baker,Louise Burnham,Karen Hucker ISBN: 9781292133621

Equivalent in size to one A Level. You study 4 units all of which are mandatory and 2 are externally assessed, you will also undertake a work placement for a minimum of 50 hours.

Ways to help my child succeed

Coursework and exams can be challenging and stressful. In order to assist your child, talk to them, assist with revision strategies and encourage them to present/execute their work to the highest standards.

Useful resources

Revise BTEC National Children’s Play, Learning and Development Revision Guide Publisher: Pearson Author: Brenda Baker ISBN: 9781292150161

BTEC Nationals Children’s Play, Learning and Development Student Book Publisher: Pearson Author: Penny Tassoni,Brenda Baker,Louise Burnham,Karen Hucker ISBN: 9781292133621