Child Development
Child Development
Curriculum Intent
Our Child Development course is intended to provide a vocational pathway for our students with an interest in children’s learning and development to not only prepare them for further study and employment within the health and social care sector but also contribute to upskilling our community as potential future parents themselves. Our curriculum covers all aspects of child development and parental responsibility, from conception to five years in order to develop essential theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to create the best conditions for a child’s development and well-being.
Qualification:
OCR Cambridge Nationals in Child Development (Levels 1 and 2)
Lesson Plans
Further Information
Content
Unit RO57: Health and wellbeing for child development
Topic 1: Pre-conception health and reproduction
Topic 2: Antenatal care and preparation for birth
Topic 3: Postnatal checks, postnatal care and conditions for development
Topic 4: Childhood illnesses and a child safe environment
Unit RO58: Create a safe environment and understand the nutritional needs of children from birth to five years – NEA (non-exam assessment)
- Childhood accidents
- Equipment for babies and children
- Nutritional guidelines for children
- Investigate feeding solutions
Unit RO59: Understand the development of a child from birth to five years – NEA (non-exam assessment)
- Physical, intellectual and social development
- Benefits of play
- Plan and carry out play activities with an individual aged 1-5 years
Assessment
Written examination: 40%
Non Examined Assessment (NEA): The remaining 60% consists of two centre assessed tasks
Specification weblink:
OCR Cambridge Nationals Child Development GCSE: https://www.ocr.org.uk/Images/610941-specification-cambridge-nationals-child-development-j809.pdf
Textbook USBN
Textbook name: Level 1/Level 2 Cambridge National in Child Development (J809): Second Edition
Author: Miranda Walker
ISBN: 9781398351202
Child Development – Independent Study
Give these websites to extend your studying around Child Development
- BBC Bitesize – Child Development
Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z373g82/revision/7
Covers key areas: pregnancy, childhood development, nutrition, safety, and learning. Includes interactive quizzes and clear notes – ideal for quick revision.
- A course summary:
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Koh2vLED4H4
A brief outline of the entire course, including the portfolio requirements (this is from another education provider, but explains the course taught here at Red Balloon)
- Quizlet – Child Development
Link: https://quizlet.com/gb/213501156/child-development-gcse-revision-flash-cards/
Flashcards for key terms, milestone stages, and exam definitions
- NHS Start4Life
Link: https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/
Covers pregnancy, baby care, infant nutrition, and developmental health advice.
- BBC Tiny Happy People
Link: www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people
Fantastic for watching real-life parenting scenarios, language development, and daily routines.
A few podcasts which might interest you
- The Brain Architects (Harvard Center on the Developing Child)
Focus: Science of early brain development
Why it’s good: Explains how experiences shape a child’s brain architecture — perfect for understanding early development and care.
Link: https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/podcasts/the-brain-architects-podcast-brain-architecture-laying-the-foundation/
2. Parental as Anything (ABC Radio)
Focus: Real-life parenting questions, expert advice, and child behaviour
Why it’s good: Accessible explanations of discipline, emotions, and developmental stages
Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/parental-as-anything/id1464488062
3. That Early Childhood Nerd
Focus: Early childhood education and development
Why it’s good: Fun, informal, but evidence-based discussions on milestones, play, and behaviour
Link: https://www.thatearlychildhoodnerd.com/podcast
