Early Childhood Development - BTEC National Extended Certificate (AAQ)

Students should submit applications by 19 December 2025.

Applications will remain open throughout the year and late applications will be considered; however, students should be aware that they may not receive their preferred choices if a late application is received.

Once applications have been received, all applicants will be invited for an interview to discuss their application and ensure that their subject choices are suitable.

We look forward to welcoming you into our sixth form and to you playing an active part in the life of our Academy.

This course allows students to engage in a broad investigation of the children’s care and education sector (0-8 years), with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in early years-related subjects. It is designed to be taken as part of a programme of study that includes other level 3 courses.

There are four mandatory units; two examined and two internally assessed. The internally assessed units give students the opportunity to engage in applied knowledge and understanding tasks to develop their early childhood development knowledge. It is intended for students that wish to progress into higher education or as a pathway to employment.

The qualification has four mandatory units covering the following topics:

Children’s development – Children’s developmental progress from birth up to eight years, including the theories, principles and factors relating to development, and the potential impact of a range of factors on a child’s progress through the developmental milestones.

Keeping Children Safe – Health and safety and safeguarding responsibilities of an individual working in an early years setting; emergency best practices and when to address concerns about a child’s welfare.

Play and Learning – The concept of play, the influence of theories and approaches to play, and the benefits of play and learning activities for children.

Research and Reflective Practice – The influence of research findings on policy and provision for children and how this influences the behaviours and expectations of an individual working in an early years setting.

1 Children’s Development - assessed by external exam

2 Keeping Children Safe - assessed by external exam

3 Play and Learning 90 - internal assessment

4 Research and Reflective Practice in an Early Childhood Setting - internal assessment

5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English and maths.

You will develop a wide range of skills and knowledge that will enable you to either progress onto higher education or possibly into employment in early years settings and education facilities. Also, into children’s nursing and social work courses. The course also carries UCAS points towards studying a whole range of different degrees at university which are not necessarily directly linked to education or early years.