Curriculum

Childcare

The Childcare department at Irlam and Cadishead Academy aims to develop confident students who excel in vocational subjects. This qualification provides the opportunity to gain a vocational qualification that introduces the sector. It has been designed to meet the needs of learners from the age of 14 years. It includes the knowledge and understanding of child development and well-being necessary for working with children in a variety of settings. It is aimed at a range of learners who wish to be introduced to childcare and development of children aged 0-5 years. This qualification will enable Key Stage 4 students to develop significant transferable knowledge and study skills that will support progression to further learning, including:  

  • An awareness of learning styles  

  • A basic introduction in to working with children in a variety of settings  

  • An understanding of roles and responsibilities when working in a setting  

  • An understanding of Equality and Diversity within a childcare setting  

  • A basic understanding of the stages and sequence of child development  

  • An introduction to observing children and how it supports development  

  • An introduction to the influences that affect holistic development  

  • An introduction to everyday care routines and the types of activities that can support the development of independence  

  • An introduction to supporting children through transition

The awareness of their own learning styles and study skills contained in this qualification support their progression to further learning. 

This qualification consists of 3 units:  

  • Units 1 and 2 graded A*– D, assessed by an externally set, internally marked assessment task. Mandatory assessments for each unit will be subject to internal and external quality assurance  

  • Unit 3 graded A*-D, assessed by an externally set and externally marked synoptic Scenario Based Short Answer Examination. Students will receive example questions to prepare for the exam as part of their homework. 

This qualification is a good choice for Key Stage 4 students if they wish to gain an understanding of child development and well-being. This qualification is ideal  for Key Stage 4 students if they wish to progress to further learning in this area, as it supports progression to a broad range of vocational training courses at Level 2 and above, including a suite of Early Years Educator qualifications at Level 3.