S5/6 Childcare 

Higher Childcare and Development Course Overview

The main purpose of the Course is for learners to understand child development from pre-birth to age 16 and the roles and responsibilities of practitioners, other professionals and parents/carers in contributing to the development of children and young people. Learners will gain knowledge, understanding, skills and attributes that will help them to contribute to the development of children in personal and professional contexts.

Active learning and personalisation will be promoted by giving learners opportunities to investigate a range of childcare and development issues and topics of their own choice, with guidance from the teacher/lecturer. Many activities will involve collaborative learning as learners work with others to discuss and present their ideas..

Unit 1 – Child Development

The general aim of this Unit is for learners to investigate child development from pre-birth to 16.

They will investigate the holistic needs of the child or young person and explore how these needs interrelate. Learners will evaluate methods for assessing the development of the child or young person. The Unit provides learners with the opportunity to identify and analyse factors that influence development.

Unit 2 – Child Development Theory

The aim of this Unit is for learners to explain ways in which theories of development are applied in childcare practice settings, and to evaluate these theories in relation to current practice.

Unit 3 – Services for Children and Young People

The aim of this Unit is for learners to explore current childhood services and the role of practitioners, professionals and others working in partnership to support the development of children and young people. Learners will investigate the ways in which legislation influences professional working relationships, and will analyse initiatives and strategies used to inform current practice.

NPA Playwork and Childcare Level 5 Course Overview

This qualification is an introductions to learners who may wish to work with children and young people in a playwork or childcare setting. The NPA provides skills and knowledge related to development, play, children’s rights and inclusive practice. These skills, knowledge and understanding are required for employment, or for progression to further academic and/or professional qualifications

Unit 1 – Development and Wellbeing of Children and Young People

This Unit is designed to introduce learners to the principles of development and wellbeing of children and young people. Learners will learn what is meant by sequences and patterns in child development and the inter-relationship between all aspects of that development. Learners will also learn about the wellbeing of children and young people and how a variety of factors may affect their development.

Unit 2 – Children and Young People: Rights and Protection 

This Unit is designed to allow learners to investigate the rights that children and young people should have today in society in relation to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Learners will explore these rights in relation to national and current legislation and in relation to policies and practice within settings for children and young people. Learners will be expected to consider rights in three main areas as laid down by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child — provision, protection and participation. They should be able to describe the significant impact on children and young people by adults who uphold and support their rights in settings.

Unit 3 – Process and Practice of Play

This Unit is designed to allow learners to consider and explain the importance and benefits of play and some of the significant theories of play for children and young people.

The second part of the unit requires the learner to take part in and implement a range of play opportunities that would be suitable for all children and young people. The learner will be expected to consider play practice related to: ‘play’, ‘play process’, ‘play space’ and ‘play types’ available for children and young people and to explain the benefits of the practice of play for children and young people. The learner should have the opportunity to consider the role of the adult in the provision of an appropriate play space, play and activities, and supporting children and young people’s choices.

Unit 4 – Working with Children and Young People

This Unit is practice-based and designed to allow learners to demonstrate their skills to support working with children and young people. It will allow learners to demonstrate their knowledge of their work setting and to demonstrate their ability to work within the legislative framework. There is an expectation that learners will be able to demonstrate their ability to work within the framework of policies and procedures whilst maintaining professional standards at all times.

Learners must demonstrate their ability to support work with children and young people in their workplace in a manner that takes account of the developmental level of the child and/or young person. Learners are also required to provide play and activities appropriate for the child and/or young person, whilst maintaining their health, safety and well-being.

Pupils will be provided with a workbook to complete for this unit.  This can be completed when on placement, when assisting with junior classes or at a club/organisation that they volunteer at such as sea cadets, scouts etc.