Child Development

Child Development is an optional subject that can be taken in KS4 

Aim of the Child Development Curriculum

Cambridge National Child Development is designed for Key Stage 4 students who have an interest in children’s care and development and wish to develop their skills and learn the theory that can prepare them for further study and employment within the childcare sector. Students will be encouraged:

• develop learning and practical skills that can be applied to real-life contexts and work situations
• think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically
• develop independence and confidence in using skills that would be relevant to the childcare sector and more widely

The knowledge the students will have by the end of the course:

Students will understand the fundamental principles of Child Development to include:

• health and well-being to encompass pre-conception health, antenatal and post-natal care
• contraception, reproduction, pregnancy and labour
• creating a safe environment both in the home and a child care setting including selecting appropriate equipment for differing age children
• the nutritional needs of children from birth to five years, including the practical skill of preparing a formula feed
• the development of children from one to five years demonstrating how to provide an environment which provides opportunities for successful development

Some recent highlights from the Child Development Department: