Childcare & Early Years

E2E stub concept

This subtopic introduces learners to the fundamental principles and practices of safeguarding children and young people within early years settings. It explores the legal and ethical responsibilities of practitioners, enabling them to identify potential risks, understand different forms of harm, and respond appropriately to concerns. The practical application of safeguarding policies and procedures is central to ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for all children.

Assessing Children's Learning and Development

This element focuses on the essential skills and knowledge required to effectively assess and record children's learning and development in early years settings. It covers the importance of assessment for planning and supporting individual needs, the use of various methods and techniques, and the communication of findings to parents and other professionals. Practical application involves adhering to the EYFS framework, maintaining accurate records, and adapting assessment approaches to ensure every child's progress is monitored and supported.

Open Awards Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator (RQF)

Open Awards Level 1 Award in Child Care (RQF) - Core Content

This core content introduces the fundamental principles of childcare and early years practice, including child development, safeguarding, health and safety, and effective communication. Learners must not only understand these principles but also apply them in supervised practical contexts, demonstrating the basic competencies required for working with children under the EYFS framework.

Open Awards Level 1 Award in Child Care (RQF)

Open Awards Level 1 Certificate in Child Care (RQF) - Core Content

This unit introduces learners to the fundamental principles and practices of childcare, focusing on establishing safe, nurturing environments for young children. It provides a solid foundation for understanding child development, safeguarding, health and safety, and effective communication, enabling learners to apply these concepts in practical early years settings.

Open Awards Level 1 Certificate in Child Care (RQF)

Open Awards Entry Level Certificate in Child Care (Entry 3) (RQF) - Core Content

This subtopic introduces the fundamental principles of childcare, including safeguarding, health and safety, and child development. Learners will explore how to create a nurturing environment and apply practical skills during supervised placements, ensuring they can meet the basic care needs of children aged 0-5 years. Emphasis is on understanding professional boundaries and the importance of reflective practice to become a competent early years practitioner.

Open Awards Entry Level Certificate in Child Care (Entry 3) (RQF)

Open Awards Entry Level Award in Child Care (Entry 3) (RQF) - Core Content

This core content introduces the fundamental principles and practices of child care, focusing on creating safe, nurturing environments and supporting children's basic needs. Learners apply this knowledge in practical contexts, such as assisting with daily routines and play activities, and demonstrate competency through observed interactions and reflective tasks.

Open Awards Entry Level Award in Child Care (Entry 3) (RQF)

Open Awards Level 1 Extended Certificate in Child Care (RQF) - Core Content

This core content element provides foundational knowledge for entering the childcare profession, covering essential principles such as safeguarding, child development, and health and safety. Learners will apply these principles in practical contexts, such as planning safe activities or communicating with children, and demonstrate competency through observable skills like implementing hygiene practices. Mastery of this content ensures practitioners can create nurturing, safe environments that promote the holistic well-being and learning of young children.

Open Awards Level 1 Extended Certificate in Child Care (RQF)

Understanding Safeguarding and Child Protection

This element explores the fundamental principles of safeguarding and child protection within early years settings, equipping learners to recognise and respond to signs of abuse, understand the legislative and policy framework, and carry out their role with due diligence. It emphasises the practical application of national and local policies, the importance of timely reporting, and the ethical responsibilities including whistleblowing and effective disclosure procedures.

Open Awards Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator (RQF)

Understanding Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

This element explores the legislative and practical frameworks underpinning inclusive early years education, focusing on the identification, assessment, and support of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Learners examine the key principles of quality education, the graduated approach from the EYFS and SEND Code of Practice, and develop the ability to tailor strategies that remove barriers to learning and promote the fulfilment of potential for every child. Understanding the distinctions between developmental delays and learning difficulties is critical for early intervention and effective partnership working with families and multi-agency teams.

Open Awards Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator (RQF)

Working in Partnership with Others in Early Years Education

Working in partnership is a fundamental principle of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), requiring practitioners to collaborate with parents, colleagues, and multi-agency professionals to ensure inclusive and holistic support for children's learning and development. This element covers the role of the key person, strategies for effective parent engagement, and the importance of compliance with regulatory requirements, emphasizing reflective practice to improve partnership outcomes.

Open Awards Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator (RQF)

Effective Communication and Teamwork in an Early Years Setting

This element explores the critical role of effective teamwork and communication within early years settings. It examines the benefits of collaborative practice for children, staff, and the organisation, along with key factors that promote successful teamwork, strategies for managing conflict, and the importance of clear, inclusive communication with children, families, and professionals. Learners apply these principles to enhance care and education delivery.

Open Awards Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator (RQF)

Implementing Support for Children with SEND

This element focuses on the practical implementation of individualised support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in early years settings. It emphasises the importance of collaborative partnerships with families and professionals, the creation of inclusive environments using specialist aids, and the application of statutory frameworks such as the SEND Code of Practice to develop and review care plans that promote holistic development.

Open Awards Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator (RQF)

Keeping Babies and Children Safe

This element focuses on the comprehensive safety and welfare of babies and children in early years settings, integrating legal responsibilities, risk management, emergency response, infection control, record-keeping, and care routines. Practitioners must demonstrate competence in creating secure environments, promoting healthy lifestyles, and responding effectively to accidents and illness.

Open Awards Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator (RQF)

Personal Development for Early Years Educators

This element focuses on the professional growth of Early Years Educators, covering role responsibilities, expected behaviours, and the impact on children. It emphasizes adherence to procedures, reflective practice, and continuous professional development, culminating in the ability to plan personal development and support colleagues' growth. The practical application ensures educators uphold high standards, promote inclusive environments, and contribute to a culture of improvement within early years settings.

Open Awards Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator (RQF)

Planning a Curriculum for Children

This subtopic focuses on designing effective curricula for children aged 0-7, aligning with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements and promoting holistic development. Practitioners learn to plan age-appropriate educational programmes, foster communication skills through verbal and non-verbal methods, and identify when additional support is needed. The practical application ensures that daily activities and interactions are tailored to meet individual children's developmental needs and enable them to thrive in early education settings.

Open Awards Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator (RQF)

Supporting Child Development

This subtopic focuses on applying child development theories and evidence-based practices to foster holistic growth in early years settings. Learners develop practical skills in supporting physical, cognitive, emotional, and neurological development, while promoting secure attachments, positive health, and wellbeing. The unit equips practitioners to recognize individual circumstances and provide inclusive, tailored support for babies and children aged 0-7.

Open Awards Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator (RQF)

Supporting Healthy Lifestyles in Children

This element focuses on promoting healthy lifestyles in early years settings, covering nutrition based on current dietary guidelines, physical activity's role in holistic development, and oral health. Practitioners must not only understand these areas but also effectively communicate their importance to parents and carers, ensuring consistent healthy practices at home and in the setting.

Open Awards Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator (RQF)

Understanding How Children Learn

This subtopic explores the foundational theories of how children learn, from pedagogical approaches to curriculum design. It equips early years educators with the knowledge to critically select and combine methods based on children's prior knowledge and interests, and to adapt environments and communication to foster effective learning. Practical application is central, requiring demonstration of responsive planning and resource selection to meet developmental needs.

Open Awards Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator (RQF)