Early Childhood Development - AAQ

This course is a vocational qualification designed for students who are interested in working with children and exploring careers in the early years sector. The course provides a strong foundation in child development, care routines, play, and the roles and responsibilities of early years practitioners. Students will gain insight into the factors that influence a child’s development, the importance of observations, and how to plan effectively within early years settings.

The course includes:

Unit 1: Children’s Development – Understanding physical, cognitive, and emotional development from birth to early childhood.

Unit 2: Keeping Children Safe – Exploring safeguarding, health and safety, and legislation in early years settings.

Unit 3: Play and Learning – Investigating the role of play in child development and how to support learning through play.

Unit 4: Research and Reflective Practice – Developing skills in observation, reflection, and planning within early years environments.

The course is assessed through a balanced combination of external examinations and internally assessed coursework. Students complete four mandatory units across two years:

Unit 1: Children’s Development – externally assessed via written exam

Unit 2: Keeping Children Safe – externally assessed via written exam

Unit 3: Play and Learning – internally assessed through coursework

Unit 4: Research and Reflective Practice – internally assessed through coursework

A minimum of a 4 in GCSE language and a merit in either Health and Social Care or Childhood development at Level 2 in addition to the published entry requirements

Studying Early Childhood Development provides a strong foundation for students aspiring to work in the early years sector. It supports progression to higher education courses in childcare, education, and health and social care, as well as access to apprenticeships and employment in nurseries, primary schools, and other early years settings. The qualification equips learners with both academic knowledge and practical skills, making it an ideal stepping stone for careers such as early years practitioner, teaching assistant, or child support worker.