Who is this qualification for?

The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Early Childhood Development (Extended Certificate) is designed for post-16 students with an interest in Education and Early Years and aiming to progress to higher education as a route to graduate level employment. Equivalent to one A Level in size, it is suitable for students looking to develop their applied knowledge and skills in Education and Early Years as part of a study programme alongside our Health and Social Care Extended Certificate, and other Applied subjects or A Levels.

What does the course involve?

The Early Childhood Development Extended Certificate allows students to engage in a broad investigation of the children’s care and education sector (0-8 years).

• The qualification has been developed in consultation with higher education representatives and sector experts to ensure students have the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to progress to, and thrive in, higher education. 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.

How will my work be assessed?

The course 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.

Units are assessed using a grading scale of Distinction (D), Merit (M), Pass (P), Near Pass (N) and Unclassified (U). The grade of Near Pass is used for externally assessed units only. All mandatory and optional units contribute proportionately to the overall qualification grade, for example a unit of 120 GLH will contribute double that of a 60 GLH unit.

What can I do afterwards?

The Extended Certificate can gain progression to higher education or employment. Although a new course, many students who have followed similar courses have gone on to university degrees including:

• Nursing – BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing, Nursing – Child – BSc (Hons)
• Teacher Training – Childhood and Early Years Studies BA (Hons)
• Social Work – BA (Hons) Social Work
• Psychology – Psychology BSc (Hons)

What qualifications do I need?

You will need at least 4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above.