Childcare Diploma Bundle (Level 3, 4+5)

The Childcare Diploma Bundle combines the Level 3 Diploma in Childcare along with the Accredited Level 5 Diploma in Childcare Studies.

The combination of the two courses will provide the learner with a solid foundation understanding of the practices and principles of Childcare and then allow them to build on this knowledge by looking more in-depth at Childcare Studies as a whole.

Diploma Bundle Entry Requirements:
Although the requirement for studying an Accredited Level 5 Diploma is a Level 3 Diploma or equivalent qualification (A-Level, school diploma or International Baccalaureate), our specially designed Diploma Bundle programmes allow students to enrol on their chosen Accredited Level 5 qualification, but study the needed Level 3 Diploma beforehand.

In order to meet the demands of the course, it is recommended that candidates have literacy and communication skills equivalent to C or higher at GCSE. Please note that full tutor support is still provided throughout your course duration.

All students must be 16 years of age or above.

Diploma Bundle Course Duration:
Upto 3 years.

Study Hours Required
Approximately 1000 hours spread over the two courses.

Assessment Information
The Level 3 Diploma course is assessment-based, with a final one-hour online examination required to attain the pass mark for the Diploma.

The Accredited Level 5 Diploma course is purely assessment-based, with a total of 16 compulsory assessments required to successfully gain the qualification.

You are free to complete the Diploma programmes whenever you wish, they are not tied to examination periods. However, you have a maximum of 3 years to complete both courses.

Progression
Our Diploma programmes are eligible for Academic Credits, making them a great choice for students aiming to progress to University. Academic Credits are only gained with the successful completion of the Accredited Level 5 Diploma course.

Accredited Level 5 Diplomas are equivalent to Foundation Degree qualifications and can be used to gain entry into the second or third year of a Degree course in order to convert the qualification to a full Bachelor’s Degree.

Level 3 Childcare Course Content

Unit 1: Course introduction: genetics, embryology and foetal development

Explore the intricate interplay of biology, genetics, and the environment in shaping a child’s character in our first module on child development history. Delve into the early stages, from conception within the mother, examining genetics, inheritance, and sex determination. Gain insights into whether a child’s nature and characteristics are predetermined or influenced by inheritance. Cover reproduction, embryology, and the development of the integumentary system. Subsequent chapters offer a detailed journey through various stages of child development and factors influencing their health.

Unit 2: Developmental anatomy and physiology of the child: Part 1

Explore the musculoskeletal system’s development, encompassing bone and muscle structure, function, and growth in various child stages. Gain insights into the expected developments at each stage, aiding caregivers and professionals in identifying signs of healthy child development. The module includes a concise overview of major bones, muscles, and the nervous system’s role in movement. Connect the development of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems to cognitive skills, language, and knowledge acquisition, crucial for comprehensive understanding from infancy to adulthood.

Unit 3: Developmental anatomy and physiology of the child: Part 2

Delve into the development of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, vital for supplying the body with essential nutrients and oxygen while eliminating waste. Explore the distinct systems in fetal and infant stages, understanding how maternal habits impact fetal health. Gain insights into blood components, oxygen intake, and maternal care. Detailed examination includes pre- and post-natal circulation, addressing topics like sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Equip professionals and caregivers with knowledge to prevent and minimise risks for infants in their care.

Unit 4: Developmental anatomy and physiology of the child: Part 3

Explore the intricacies of the gastrointestinal and renal systems, unravelling how a fetus acquires nutrients, eliminates waste, and the evolving needs of infants and children. Delve into the digestion process, studying organs, enzymes, and nutrient absorption across various life stages. Investigate the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestine, kidneys, liver, and the endocrine system’s role in maintaining bodily balance through hormone production. Assess the impact of diet on physical and mental development, understanding the vital role of hormones in fetal and child development.

Unit 5: Developmental anatomy and physiology of the child: Part 4

Explore the intricacies of reproduction, delving into pre-natal development to birth. Focus on the sensory systems, examining the eyes, nose, dentition, touch, smell, and taste. Study each organ’s structure and function in the fetus and as the child grows. Familiarise yourself with biological terminology, which gradually becomes second nature as your experience in working with children grows, facilitating easy identification of any potential issues in their development.

Unit 6: Birth and beyond growth and care of the child

Explore the journey from birth to age 7, examining essential tests, measurements, and developmental milestones. Delve into nutrition, weight, childhood illnesses, and vaccination programs. Identify common ailments and growth issues, acknowledging variations due to culture, gender, and environment. Emphasise the importance of early disease detection through vaccination and the significance of maintaining a healthy growth chart. Gain insights into fostering optimal health and growth through basic nutrition for infants and children.

Unit 7: Language and speech development

Explore the intricacies of language and speech development in babies and children, examining the underlying processes and the positive impact professionals can have on this crucial developmental phase. Delve into the factors influencing how babies learn language, including activities that aid language development. Gain insights into the average acquisition of words throughout a child’s life and discover effective strategies to support children facing challenges in speech development. This module provides practical examples and encourages learners to actively engage in activities to enhance their understanding and application of effective techniques.

Unit 8: The development of cognitive skills

Explore the intricacies of cognitive development in babies, delving into how they acquire knowledge, learn, and interact with their environment. This module navigates through various theories on cognition, addressing the ongoing nature vs. nurture debate by examining genetic and environmental influences. Emphasis is placed on the importance of communication, stimuli, and interactive activities in fostering cognitive skills and abilities. Discover how caregivers play a vital role in shaping the cognitive structures of babies and children, steering clear of passive engagement such as excessive television or computer game exposure.

Unit 9: Learning through play

Discover the vital role of play in child development, with a focus on structured play that enhances both mental and physical growth. Professionals play a crucial role as facilitators, using carefully selected games to support educational goals. Evaluation of game effectiveness is emphasised, considering different purposes of play, such as calming activities before naptime. Understanding age-appropriate games, varied stimuli, and outdoor experiences contributes to fostering social skills and overall development. Recognising the individuality of children, the module encourages experimentation with diverse toys, games, and activities tailored to each child’s unique preferences and needs.

Unit 10: Working with children and course collation

Conclude your childcare training by exploring diverse job opportunities, from nurseries to schools or home-based care. Delve into the responsibilities and legal requirements, including health and safety, Ofsted regulations, and recommended first aid and resuscitation training. Gain insights into various roles, their qualifications, and key safety measures. The module covers essential safety protocols, and legal considerations, and introduces major organisations within the childcare profession, providing a comprehensive overview for aspiring childcare professionals.

Level 4+5 Accredited Childcare Course Content 

Unit 1: Using information, communication and technology ICT in the study of Childcare Studies

This course emphasises the importance of Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) skills for effective learning. Students will learn to utilise ICT methods, tools, and strategies to establish a productive relationship with tutors, ensuring optimal study progress.

The first unit focuses on setting up an ePortfolio, serving as a comprehensive storage system for coursework, self-assessment activities, research notes, and reflective journals. This portfolio will be periodically reviewed by tutors and moderators, providing students with a structured resource for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and future studies.

Independent research skills are vital for level 5 study, empowering students to confidently source and evaluate relevant information. The unit introduces tools and strategies for conducting independent research and integrating findings into coursework.

Additionally, the development of effective writing skills is highlighted, including reflective writing techniques. Through reflective writing, students can assess their learning approaches, receive feedback from tutors, and proactively enhance their skills.

Unit 2: Essential anatomy and physiology part 1

Homeostasis maintains internal balance in the body through sophisticated mechanisms. This unit covers the circulatory system, including the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, along with oxygen transportation and waste removal. It also explores the musculoskeletal and central nervous systems, considering their role in homeostasis.

To complete this unit, learners must:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the circulatory, musculoskeletal, and central nervous systems.
2. Identify key homeostatic mechanisms relevant to these body systems.
3. Discuss negative and positive feedback loops in homeostasis.
4. Understand the physiological processes involved in the growth and repair of these systems

Unit 3: Essential anatomy and physiology part 2

The digestive system breaks down food for energy, while the endocrine system releases hormones that regulate growth and metabolism. This unit explores the structure and function of digestive organs, energy transfer processes, and the endocrine system’s role in maintaining homeostasis.

Hormones produced by the endocrine system target specific organs and tissues, influencing growth and metabolism. Additionally, the unit covers the role of special senses in homeostasis, including the urinary system, osmoregulation, and thermoregulation.

Reproductive processes and DNA replication are also discussed.

Unit 4: Embryology and foetal development

The human embryo undergoes three distinct phases of development, each marked by the timed development of organs and structures. This unit delineates these stages and explains the transition from embryo to fetus, highlighting the acquisition of human characteristics and continued growth within the uterus.

Throughout gestation, there are vulnerable periods where exposure to toxic substances or maternal factors can pose risks to the developing embryo. This unit explores these critical periods, discussing potential consequences such as congenital abnormalities.

Furthermore, the unit provides detailed descriptions of embryonic and fetal anatomy and physiology, along with insights into the homeostatic processes that sustain life in utero.

Unit 5: Birth and Beyond

Labour, driven by uterine contractions, expels the fetus, influenced by placental and uterine hormones. This unit delineates labour stages, expulsion, and postpartum processes.

The Apgar test assesses newborns’ developmental characteristics within the first 5 minutes after birth, performed at intervals thereafter.

In the first year, infants achieve developmental milestones, including cognitive and language skills. Ages 4 to 9 mark the start of schooling, posing emotional challenges.

Physical growth is tracked through height and weight, indicating normal development or potential issues like failure to thrive.

Adolescence, a transitional phase, demands specific attention for educational and developmental support, recognised since the late 19th century and currently a focus of government policies and service frameworks.

Unit 6: Language, speech development and attachment

We often overlook the complexity of language acquisition, from the first baby words to mastering grammar rules like plurals and adjectives. This unit delves into the fundamental aspects of language comprehension and expression.

Babies learn to associate words with objects and categorise them based on their environment. This aids memory recall and communication.

Children are natural communicators, forming relationships through interaction. Adults play a vital role in stimulating their communication skills.

Attachments, emotional bonds formed with caregivers, are crucial for infants’ well-being. Attachment theories and their significance throughout life stages are explored in this unit.

Unit 7: Childhood Illness

This unit provides detailed information on common childhood illnesses, including signs, symptoms, and treatments.

Vaccination leverages the immune system’s memory to artificially induce immunity against diseases. By introducing non-virulent antigens, vaccines stimulate immune responses that protect against virulent pathogens. Various vaccination methods are explored, along with their historical development and production techniques.

Vaccines not only protect individuals but also contribute to community immunity, known as herd immunity. This section discusses the role of vaccination in disease prevention and presents immunisation schedules.

Unit 8: Basic nutrition for children

Living organisms, including humans, require food and water for vital functions such as ingestion, digestion, absorption, and growth, among others. These nutrients regulate metabolism, enhance immunity, and support bodily functions.

Hunger ensures our body receives essential fuel, while appetite is a trained response to food, often triggered by sensory or psychological factors.

Essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water, work synergistically to promote optimal health. Each nutrient has a specific function, and its absence can impact bodily functions.

Children’s nutritional needs vary with age. Infants rely on breast milk or formula, gradually transitioning to solid foods by around six months. Weaning practices depend on parental preferences and the child’s progress. A balanced diet is essential after weaning, though dietary restrictions may apply due to allergies or intolerances, which should be documented in child records.

Unit 9: Cognitive development

Cognition involves perceiving and understanding objects, people, or events. It encompasses recognising characteristics from past encounters and forming memories.

Visual development becomes complex in the first year of life, impacting cognition. Studies suggest newborns may have innate auditory preferences, influenced by sounds heard in the womb. However, these preferences could also be learned responses.

The unit will extensively evaluate theories on cognitive development.

Unit 10: Educational development

This unit integrates theories and critical evaluation while comparing UK and international education development strategies, also examining education from social perspectives.

Education is crucial to society, occupying a significant portion of children’s waking hours. Sociologists study education broadly, including lifelong learning and various social contexts.

Functionalists and Marxists agree on education’s role in cultural reproduction through socialisation but differ on outcomes, particularly regarding the ‘hidden curriculum’ and economic functions. Functionalists see benefits for all, while Marxists view them as favouring an economic elite.

The link between attainment and social class is evident, with children from less affluent backgrounds underachieving compared to their wealthier peers. Despite improvements in attainment for both groups, the gap between rich and poor has widened over the past century.

From the 1980s, parents gained the ability to choose their children’s schools, driven by Ofsted reports and national league tables to enhance standards through competition.

Unit 11: History of the child

Childhood, once overlooked, is now recognised for its importance in nurturing and development.

This unit examines the historical evolution of childhood in Britain, exploring how societal and familial roles have changed over time, influenced by events like the Industrial Revolution. Students will compare these shifts to global perspectives.

The definition of childhood is pivotal as it shapes rights and protections, with its influence extending into adulthood, impacting individuals and nations alike.

Modern children face multifaceted environments shaped by legislation, intervention, communication, and education. With the UK’s school leaving age at 16 and an emphasis on further education, workforce entry is delayed.

Parents are legally mandated to ensure children attend school, backed by enforcement measures. Child healthcare, starting prenatally and continuing until age 5, is overseen by health professionals to monitor well-being and development.

This unit delves into the evolving landscape of childcare and its implications for child development.

Unit 12: Child psychology

Despite the array of branches within general psychology, childhood development warrants its own specialised approach due to its unique nature and experiences within modern society.

This unit delves into the aims and objectives of child psychology, exploring tailored research methods and specific ethical considerations.

Discussions revolve around the necessity of a distinct psychology branch for children, considering societal perspectives. Additionally, the unit examines the impact of parenting practices, legislation, and societal influences on childhood development, addressing long-term effects.

Through a holistic lens, the module examines the distinct experiences of modern childhood, questioning its essence and implications.

Unit 13: Learning through play and interaction

Previous units covered cognitive and sociological perspectives on learning, education, and cognition. This section focuses on learning through play and interaction.

Quality play, often structured with specific outcomes like literacy improvement, is crucial for child development. It is planned, task-centred, and designed to foster cognitive skills.

Adults play a vital role in facilitating and assessing children’s play, providing necessary stimuli and support for cognitive development. They actively engage in play activities with children to aid their learning process.

Unit 14: Understanding relationships

Establishing positive relationships is crucial in educational and childcare settings. This section delves into the theories and psychological principles underpinning effective relationships. Positive learning experiences hinge on these relationships, making communication a focal point. We explore communication in detail, including listening skills and body language, emphasising its importance at different developmental stages.

Communication encompasses various methods, both general and specialised, which are essential for tailored learning support. Regardless of the method used, communication follows a cyclical process of conveying and receiving messages.

Engaging in conversation with children is invaluable for exchanging information and fostering trust and collaboration. Additionally, structured activities, particularly educational play, aim to achieve specific outcomes, such as improving literacy skills.

Unit 15: Working with children

In the UK, childcare and preschool education are available through various providers, including local authorities, private establishments, and voluntary centres. This unit encourages students to compare these provisions with those in their own areas.

Clearly defined roles and responsibilities are vital within the childcare environment. Staff involvement in decision-making processes is crucial, with clear job descriptions for all involved, including volunteers.

The unit examines different roles, responsibilities, training requirements, and skills necessary for working with children. Students will have the chance to research roles specific to their local demographics in the end-of-unit activities.

Unit 16: Legislation and safe practice for child care work