Child Development

Subject Overview

Learning about child development is vital for working with children in an early years setting. It gives pupils a background of the key theories that will govern all aspects of working practice and everything required as an early years educator. 

Topics covered are Children’s development of speech, communication, language, literacy and numeracy skills as these are an essential part of early childhood development, beginning from birth and continuing at home and in the early years setting. Early years practitioners have an essential role to play in supporting and developing all these skills, by promoting them through developmentally appropriate interactions.

We also focus on legislation, regulations and guidance relevant to health, safety and safeguarding. Pupils will investigate approaches to creating safe and secure environments and policies and procedures to control and prevent the spread of infection. They will learn about types of abuse and how to recognise the signs that a child is at risk. It is important that pupils know how to safeguard children, including ways to empower them so that they become confident in protecting themselves. Pupils also need to know correct procedure for responding to concerns about abuse. You will learn how to recognise hazards, assess health and safety risks and respond to emergency situations in your own work placement setting. It is strongly recommended that pupils successfully complete a recognised paediatric first-aid course if they wish to gain employment in the early years sector.