Children’s Play, Learning and Development BTEC National Award

Why study children’s play, learning and development?

This new specification includes the most up-to-date research on how young children learn through play.   As such, it is the perfect course for anybody interested in working with young children.  The mix of hands-on experience, practical assessment and written work ensures that this course will suit any type of student.  It will also allow you to develop a broad mix of transferable skills, preparing you for a career in a wide range of sectors.

What will I be learning about?

You will learn how to assess children’s development and how you can use this judgement to select suitable resources and toys to support children as they play.  As the course progresses you will learn how to provide care for children, such as how to support language development and choosing stimulating activities.

You will also learn safeguarding and the theories that will underpin professional practice for example theories of attachement.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is through external examination and internally assessed coursework underpinned by both primary and secondary research.

Work experience is a requirement of this course.

Where will this lead?

The children’s play, learning and development qualification provides opportunities for learners to progress to either academic or more specialised vocational pathways, or support progression into employment. It is an ideal starting point for a wide range of child-related careers including nursery nurse, child-minder, early years practitioner, play-worker, teacher, social worker, play therapist, child psychologist, paediatric nurse, residential childcare worker, nanny or au pair.

What are the entry requirements?

Five 9-4 at GCSE level including minimum level 5 in English. You must be genuinely passionate about examining, debating and forming an understanding of child development.