COURSE CODE: BTEC AAQ Early Childhood Development

TYPICAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: 5 in GCSE English Language and a 4 in GCSE Science

CAREER POSSIBILITIES

The Early Years Sector in England is made up of over 80,000 settings, with 1.3 million childcare places for children under five. This ranges from Child Minders and Nannies, to Nurseries, Crèches and Pre-Schools. Alongside the care provision, the sector has further career paths for students interested in working with children. Degree courses in teaching Early Years, Primary or Secondary; speech therapy, social work, special education and playwork offer additional opportunities in the sector.

THE PROGRAMME

The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Early Childhood Development (Extended Certificate) allows students to engage in a broad investigation of the children’s care and education sector (0-8 years).

There are four mandatory units; two examined and two internally assessed. The internally assessed units give students the opportunity to engage in applied knowledge and understanding tasks to develop their early childhood development knowledge. The qualification is designed to be taken alongside A Levels as part of a study programme and can link to learning in A Levels in Sociology, Psychology, Biology and English. It is intended for students that wish to progress into higher education as a pathway to employment. Units are a mix of two mandatory external exams and two internal assessments.

There are three main forms of assessment that you need to be aware of. Each external assessment is taken under specified conditions, then marked by an external assessor with a grade being awarded. Examinations - all learners take the same assessment at the same time, normally with a written outcome; These are Unit 1 Child Development and Unit 2 Keeping Children Safe.

Set Tasks - learners take the assessment during a defined window and demonstrate understanding through completion of a vocational task; internally-assessed units - most units in the sector are internally assessed and subject to external standards’ verification; Internal assessments are Unit 3 Play and Learning and Unit 4 Research and Reflective Practice in an Early Childhood Setting.

WHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?

Studying BTEC Early Childhood Studies at sixth form equips students with practical skills and knowledge to support young children’s development, preparing them for careers in education, childcare, or further study. It also helps build key personal qualities like empathy and communication, making it a valuable and rewarding subject choice.

Please note: This course will run subject to sufficient student numbers. Final decisions on course availability will be made based on demand and timetabling feasibility.