Child Development

OCR Cambridge National Level 1/2 Certificate in child development  J809

You do not necessarily have to want to work within the child development industry once you have completed this vocational course.  This is a course that will prepare you for employment in the health, social care and early years’ sectors, but also deliver the key skills required to enter into any environment.  This course is designed to help prepare you for the world of work ensuring you have effective communication skills, you understand how children develop and what influences the way in which we grow and develop.  Units and assignments are based around realistic case studies, as well as applying your own personal experiences.

In terms of work – there is a lot!! You will be required to produce concise, complex and detailed portfolios of work for each unit, and there will be a large emphasis placed upon your ability to work independently and follow guidelines set by the teacher, and then add to these by carrying out additional independent research.

What will I study?

You will learn about health, social care and early years care settings and develop the knowledge and skills that will enable you to progress to the next level in your education and/or training in this field if you choose this pathway.

The course includes the completion of three units in total:

Unit R057: Health and well-being for child development

In this unit you will learn about the importance of pre-conception health and reproduction, antenatal care and preparation for birth. You’ll also learn about postnatal care and the conditions in which a child can thrive.

Topics include:

• Pre-conception health and reproduction
• Antenatal care and preparation for birth
• Postnatal checks, postnatal care and the conditions for development
• Childhood illnesses and a child safe environment

This is an external examination.

Unit R058: Create a safe environment and understand the nutritional needs of children from birth to five years.

In this unit you will learn how to create a safe environment for children from birth to five years in childcare settings. You’ll research and choose equipment that is suitable and safe for use and will learn about children’s nutrition and dietary needs.

Topics include:

• Creating a safe environment in a childcare setting
• Choosing suitable equipment for a childcare setting
• Nutritional needs of children from birth to five year

This is an internally assessed piece of work which must be completed within one academic year.

Unit R059: Understand the development of a child from one to five years.

In this unit you will learn the physical, intellectual and social developmental norms for children from one to five years. You’ll understand the importance of creating plans and providing different play activities to support children in their development.

Topics include:

• Physical, intellectual and social developmental norms from one to five years
• Stages and types of play and how play benefits development
• Observe the development of a child aged one to five years
• Plan and evaluate play activities for a child aged one to five years for a chosen area of development

This is an internally assessed piece of work which must be completed within one academic year.

How will I learn?

You will use a variety of learning opportunities ranging from: class-based lessons, small and large group work and presentations, independent research, role play, class discussion, research and practical activity.

What skills are essential?

• Ability to study independently.
• Be a self-motivator.
• Able to meet deadlines. 
• Be able to make detailed class notes.
• Demonstrate an ability to communicate in public.
• Be able to research independently.
• Demonstrate effective writing skills.

How will I be assessed?

Unit 57 is an external exam and worth 40% of your final grade and must be taken at the end of year 11.   For the other two units you will be completing timed coursework sessions in class which are based on a series of tasks and case studies set by the awarding body, the task must be completed within each academic year and cannot be ‘carried forward’.  Coursework could take the form of in-depth essays, posters, information packs, leaflets or even display materials as well as interviews and a presentation and evaluation.

View the Child Development exam specification

What grade can be achieved?

You can achieve this qualification at Level 1 (distinction, merit, pass) or Level 2 (distinction*, distinction, merit, pass).

Where can this course take me?

The early years industry is far reaching.  It is a sector that has huge influence on many in our society and it offers a broad range of career opportunities such as teaching, physiotherapy, speech therapy, counselling, registered nursing, health care assistants, social workers, nursery nurse, play leader, community worker and health visitor – the list is endless!

Most pupils use the Level 2 course as a base for further study or progression onto a Level 3 program in health and social care or child development , but this can lead you to apprenticeships or aid in accessing college placements. 

The list of possible opportunities is endless; the great thing is that you can move up the career ladder and across different areas in a rewarding and challenging career.