Child Development

At Weston Secondary School, our Child Development curriculum is designed to be ambitious, inclusive, and reflect current Ealy Years practices. We provide all students with a comprehensive, knowledge-rich understanding of how children grow, learn, and develop from birth to five years old. Through this qualification, students build strong foundations in both the theoretical principles of child development and the practical skills required to support young children effectively in real early years settings. 

Our curriculum offers a carefully sequenced blend of vocational learning and academic challenge and reflects the learning aims of the Pearson Technical Award in Child Development. Students explore the key areas of development: physical, cognitive, social, and emotional and learn how these shape a child’s growth and development. Students develop a secure understanding of the importance of play-based learning, holistic development, and the wider factors that influence a child’s progress, including health, environment, family dynamics, and early years provision. 

By engaging with the Pearson Technical Award’s practical components, students also gain valuable insight into the role of early years professionals. They learn how to plan purposeful play activities, observe and assess children’s development, and apply safeguarding, health, and well-being principles in line with sector expectations. These experiences enable students not only to deepen their understanding of child development theory but also to demonstrate the applied skills needed for further study and for future pathways within health, education, and childcare professions. 

Overall, our curriculum ensures that all learners develop the confidence, competence, and cultural capital needed to succeed within the Pearson Child Development qualification and beyond, preparing them for progression into Post‑16 education, apprenticeships, and careers within the early years and wider health and social care sectors. 

Child Development at Weston develops the whole student. Our approach supports: 

• Students build a strong theoretical understanding of child development from birth to five years. They learn about developmental milestones, play theories, early learning frameworks, and the factors that influence a child’s growth. This knowledge enables them to think critically, make informed observations, and apply key concepts to real-life childcare situations. 
• Students develop empathy, compassion, and an understanding of the emotional needs of young children. They learn how positive relationships, secure attachments, and nurturing environments support children’s confidence, resilience, and holistic development. This helps students build the personal qualities and professional values essential for working in early years settings. 
• Students gain hands-on experience in planning meaningful play activities, observing children’s development, and applying safe working practices. They use these practical skills to support learning, promote well-being, and create engaging early years experiences. This prepares them for further study and future roles within the childcare and education sectors. 

Through this structured approach, Students develop a deep and connected understanding of child development theories, demonstrating how developmental milestones, environmental factors, and practitioner influences impact children’s growth from birth to five. This directly reflects Pearsons expectations for: 

• Component 1 (30% of final GCSE grade) Children’s Growth and Development 
• Component 2 (30% of final GCSE grade) Learning Through Play 
• Component 3 (40% of final GCSE Grade) Supporting Children to Play, Learn and Develop