Childcare
“Understanding how children grow and develop helps us shape healthier, happier futures for the next generation.”
By studying child development, students learn the skills and knowledge needed to support children in real-life situations.
Studying Child Development gives students a valuable insight into how children grow, learn and develop from birth through early childhood. The course develops an understanding of physical, intellectual, emotional and social development, alongside the factors that influence a child’s well-being, including health, nutrition, environment and care practices. This knowledge is not only essential for those considering careers working with children, but also supports students in developing empathy, responsibility and informed decision-making that can be applied in everyday life.
Our OCR Child Development curriculum is delivered through a balanced blend of theory and practical learning, enabling students to apply their knowledge to real-life scenarios. Pupils explore key topics such as play, care routines, safety and development activities through practical tasks, research and applied assignments, providing a strong foundation for further study or progression into childcare, education, health and social care pathways. Alongside subject-specific knowledge, students develop a wide range of transferable skills, including communication, organisation, observation, analysis and teamwork — skills that are highly valued in further education, employment and throughout adult life.
Key Stage 4 Curriculum
(OCR Child Development)
| Year | Autumn | Spring | Summer |
| 10 | Create a safe environment and understand the nutritional needs of children from 0 to 5 years – coursework |
Pre-conception/ conception Antenatal care/birth |
Postnatal checks/care Childhood illnesses
|
| 11 | The development of a child from one to five years – coursework | Health and well-being for child development |
Exam techniques/revision Exam
|
Homework
Homework in Child Development is designed to support classroom learning and may include research tasks, written activities and reflection on practical work, helping students to deepen their understanding of child development and care practices.
Extracurricular
Students are supported through a range of extracurricular opportunities, including after-school study sessions that provide additional support with coursework and exam preparation. An annual trip to the London Science Museum further enhances learning, allowing students to explore interactive exhibits linked to development, health and science in a real-world context.