Childcare

At Colchester Academy we have a clear philosophy of “It takes a big heart to shape little minds” and this course enables students of all abilities and mindsets to show excellence in this unique course. In this Level 2 BTEC Childcare Vocational Qualification we are striving to help students learn a wide range of knowledge, to enhance their understanding of a child's life.

Key Stage 4

This course is well suited to those who are motivated to consider a career in the early years sectors, or have a keen interest in the development of children, as well as those who, at some point, want to understand how their own children’s minds work and what they can do to aid them. We seek to motivate and equip students with a full range of knowledge, skills and understanding to drive them to success, in both the two years of study and in further courses they may take. The assignment-based style of 75% of this course enables learners to be both independent and resilient to achieve the highest possible grade. This two-year course covers the following topics; how children grow and develop, how play can promote their developmental milestones and the principles that settings use to run their setting to ensure children are fully supported.

Curriculum Outline

Year 10	Topics Covered:
Autumn	Unit 1: Patterns of Child Development - Learning aim A: Understand growth and development in children Unit 1: Patterns of Child Development - Learning aim B: Understand the characteristics of childrens’ development from birth up to eight years
Spring	Unit 1: Patterns of Child Development - Learning aim C: Understand how adults in early years settings can support childrens’ development UNIT 1 FINAL EXAM Unit 2: Promoting Childrens’ Development Through Play - Learning aim A: Understand how play promotes childrens’ development in early years settings
Summer	Unit 2: Promoting Childrens’ Development Through Play - Learning aim B: Understand how different play opportunities promote childrens’ development Unit 2: Promoting Childrens’ Development Through Play - Learning aim C: Understand how play is structured in early years settings to promote childrens’ development

Year 11	Topics Covered:
Autumn	Potential resits for Unit 1 Unit 3: The Principles of Early Years Practice - Learning aim A: Understand the importance of inclusive practice in early years
Spring	Unit 3: The Principles of Early Years Practice - Learning aim B: Explore ways in which early years settings implement inclusive practice Unit 3: The Principles of Early Years Practice - Learning aim C: Understand how children are empowered in early years settings
Summer	Unit 3: The Principles of Early Years Practice - Learning aim D: Understand the importance of the key person approach in supporting childrens’ development

Useful Links & Resources

Specifications:

Children’s Play, learning and development

Useful links:

BTEC First Childcare