Level 3 AAQ BTEC National in Early Childhood Development (Extended Certificate) - A Level Equivalent

The Level 3 AAQ BTEC National in Early Childhood Development provides a solid foundation for careers in education and early years. The course is for students with an interest in child development and going into an education or early years related career such as primary teaching, early years or related industries such as speech and language therapy amongst many others.

The course integrates theoretical knowledge with real-world applications through a vocational placement in an early years settiing, preparing students for both higher education and employment.

The course is for students who are interested in learning about the children’s care and education sector (0-8 years) alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in early years-related subjects. It is designed to be taken as part of a programme of study that includes other A Levels.

You will study 4 units over 2 years, this includes two externally assessed units and two internally assessed units.

The qualification has four mandatory units covering the following topics:

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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.   

Assessment is specifically designed to fit the purpose and objective of the qualification. It includes a range of assessment types and styles suited to vocational qualifications in the sector. There are three main forms of assessment that you need to be aware of: external, internal and synoptic.

Externally assessed units (exams) and internally assessed units (coursework)

The Student Services team and your Personal Development Tutor (PDT) will see you on a one-to-one basis and offer advice and guidance on financial and personal issues, careers advice and guidance and much more. A professional team of staff work together with your PDT to support you so that you can successfully complete your course and recognise pathways to progression after leaving college.

5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above to include 5 in English

You will develop a wide range of skills and knowledge that will enable you to either progress onto Higher Education or possibly into early years settings and education facilities. Also into children’s nursing and social work courses. The course also carries UCAS points towards studying a whole range of different degrees at university which are not necessarily directly linked to education or early years.

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

To obtain more information about this course, please call: 01208 224000 or email enquiry@callywith.ac.uk