BTEC First award in: Children's play, learning & development

 The aims of the course are to:

• To inspire and enthuse learners to consider a career in early years, or related sectors, where knowledge of child development is relevant
• To give learners the opportunity to gain a broad knowledge and understanding of, and develop skills in, the early years sector, for example, of child development and using play to promote child development

The topics you will study are:

Unit 1 - Patterns of Child Development

• Understand growth and development in children
• Understand the characteristics of children’s development from birth up to eight years
• Understand how adults in early years settings can support children’s development

Unit 2 - Promoting Children’s Development Through Play

• Understand how play promotes children’s development in early years settings
• Understand how different play opportunities promote children’s development
• Understand how play is structured in early years settings to promote children’s development 

Unit 3 - The Principles of Early Years Practice

• Understand the importance of inclusive practice in early years
• Explore ways in which early years settings implement inclusive practice
• Understand how children are empowered in early years settings
• Understand the importance of the key person approach in supporting children’s development

Unit One is assessed through an external examination, whilst Units Two and Three are assessed through assignment based work.

It is a practical based course equipping you with the knowledge and understanding to pursue a career in an early years setting. It can lead to further and higher BTEC study in the field of Children’s Play, Learning and Development. This BTEC qualification is equivalent to a GCSE.