Childcare

Vision

Our BTEC Level 1 Childcare curriculum equips pupils with the knowledge, practical skills and personal qualities required to understand and support the development and wellbeing of young children. Through vocational learning and practical experiences, pupils develop organisation, communication and reflective skills while gaining an understanding of early years practice.

The course prepares learners for further study, employment within childcare or health-related sectors, and the development of transferable life and workplace skills. Pupils develop confidence, independence and professional behaviours that support their future progression.

Curriculum Intent

The curriculum is designed to develop pupils’ understanding of childcare alongside essential personal and professional skills required for further education and employment.

We aim to:

Develop organisational and employability skills

Through Unit A1: Being Organised, pupils develop essential study and workplace skills including time management, planning tasks, organising resources and meeting deadlines. These skills support successful coursework completion and prepare pupils for professional environments.

Support personal development and progression

Through Unit A2: Developing a Personal Progression Plan, pupils reflect on their strengths, identify areas for improvement and set future goals. They explore career pathways within childcare and related sectors, developing confidence, independence and self-awareness.

Develop understanding of children’s learning and development

Through Unit CfC12: Supporting Children’s Learning Through Everyday Experiences, pupils explore how children develop through play, routines and daily activities. They understand how adults support learning and development in safe, nurturing environments.

Promote children’s health and wellbeing

Through Unit CfC7: Providing an Activity to Encourage Children to Eat Healthily, pupils learn about the importance of nutrition in early childhood and how to support healthy lifestyle choices through appropriate activities.

Develop communication and literacy support skills

Through Unit CfC8: Providing a Pre-school Children’s Reading Activity, pupils develop understanding of language development and learn how to communicate effectively with young children through storytelling and reading activities.

Develop creativity and engagement with children

Through Unit CfC10: Providing a Children’s Creative Activity, pupils learn how creative activities support children’s development and wellbeing while developing skills in planning and delivering engaging activities.

Prepare learners for future pathways

The curriculum provides a foundation for further study in childcare, health and social care or related vocational pathways, while developing transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, responsibility and professionalism.

Curriculum Implementation

The curriculum is delivered through a vocational and practical approach that combines theoretical knowledge with applied learning experiences.

Sequencing and Structure

Learning is carefully sequenced to build knowledge, confidence and independence.

Unit A1: Being Organised establishes core study and workplace skills.
Unit A2: Developing a Personal Progression Plan supports reflection and career awareness.
Pupils then apply these skills within childcare contexts through supporting children’s learning, planning healthy activities, reading activities and creative experiences.

This structure ensures progression in knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviour across Years 10 and 11.

Teaching Approaches

Lessons include teacher input, discussion, case studies and practical activities.
Real-life scenarios help pupils understand early years practice.
Practical tasks allow pupils to plan and deliver activities for young children.
Key terminology related to childcare and development is explicitly taught.
Opportunities for reflection and self-assessment support personal growth.

Adaptive teaching ensures all pupils are supported and appropriately challenged.

Assessment

Assessment follows Pearson BTEC requirements through internally assessed coursework.

Pupils complete assignments demonstrating knowledge, practical skills and reflection.
Clear success criteria support pupils in meeting assessment standards.
Regular feedback enables pupils to improve work and develop confidence.

Curriculum Impact

The impact of the curriculum is seen in pupils who demonstrate confidence, responsibility and understanding of childcare practice.

By the end of Year 11, pupils:

Demonstrate effective organisation and time management skills.
Show increased self-awareness and clear progression goals.
Understand how everyday experiences support children’s learning and development.
Promote children’s health and wellbeing through appropriate activities.
Communicate effectively with young children through reading and interaction.
Plan and deliver creative activities that support development.
Demonstrate professionalism, independence and responsibility.

Pupils are well prepared for further study in childcare or health-related courses and develop transferable skills valued by employers.

Ultimately, learners leave the course with the knowledge, skills and confidence to support young children’s development and wellbeing, preparing them for further education, employment and adult life.

Curriculum Map:

	Year 10	Year 11
Autumn term	CfC12 Supporting Children’s Learning Through Everyday Experiences	A1 Being Organised, Unit CfC10: Providing a Children’s Creative Activity
Spring term	A2 Developing a Personal Progression Plan	CfC7 Providing an Activity to Encourage Children to Eat Healthily
Summer term	CfC8 Providing a Pre-school Children’s Reading Activity	Summarise all key knowledge and skills learn from all units