Child Development

Cambridge National

(GCSE equivalent)

Examination Board: OCR

What will be studied:

The Level 1/Level 2 Cambridge National in Child Development is aimed at students aged 14-16 years and will develop knowledge, understanding and practical skills that would be used in the Childcare sector.

You may be interested in this if you want an engaging qualification, where you will use your learning in practical, real-life situations, such as:

  • preparing a feed or meal for a child
  • choosing suitable equipment to use in a childcare setting
  • planning suitable play activities
  • helping to prevent accidents in a childcare setting.

This will help you to develop independence and confidence in using skills that would be relevant to the Childcare sector. The qualification will also help you to develop learning and skills that can be used in other life and work situations, such as:

  • research skills – for example, within the NEA set assignment students will need to complete research for equipment to help make decisions on which to choose and explain why
  • communication skills – for example, within the NEA set assignment students will need to make recommendations to the nursery on how accidents can be prevented.

This qualification has three mandatory units:

Unit R057: Health and well-being for child development

This is assessed by an exam. In this unit you will learn about the importance of pre-conception health and reproduction, antenatal care and preparation for birth. You’ll also learn about postnatal care and the conditions in which a child can thrive.

Topics include:

  • Pre-conception health and reproduction o Antenatal care and preparation for birth
  • Postnatal checks, postnatal care and the conditions for development
  • Childhood illnesses and a child safe environment.

Unit R058: Create a safe environment and understand the nutritional needs of children from birth to five years

This is assessed by a set assignment. In this unit you will learn how to create a safe environment for children from birth to five years in childcare settings. You’ll research and choose equipment that is suitable and safe for use and will learn about children’s nutrition and dietary needs.

Topics include:

  • Creating a safe environment in a childcare setting
  • Choosing suitable equipment for a childcare setting o Nutritional needs of children from birth to five years.

Unit R059: Understand the development of a child from one to five years

This is assessed by a set assignment. In this unit you will learn the physical, intellectual and social developmental norms for children from one to five years. You’ll understand the importance of creating plans and providing different play activities to support children in their development.

  • Topics include:
  • Physical, intellectual and social developmental norms from one to five years
  • Stages and types of play and how play benefits development
  • Observe the development of a child aged one to five years
  • Plan and evaluate play activities for a child aged one to five years for a chosen area of development.

Assessment:

Unit R057: Health and well-being for child development

1 hour 15 minute written examination

70 marks

OCR-set and marked

This question paper consists of two sections, comprising short answer and extended response questions. 

Section A: 40 marks. Questions will be set in a context. There will be one extended response question assessing Performance Objective 3.

Section B: 30 marks

Unit R058: Create a safe environment and understand the nutritional needs of children from birth to five years

OCR-set assignment

60 marks

Centre-assessed and OCR moderated

This set assignment contains four practical tasks. It should take approximately 12-14 GLH to complete

Unit R059: Understand the development of a child from one to five years

OCR-set assignment

60 marks

Centre-assessed and OCR moderated

This set assignment contains two practical tasks. It should take approximately 10-12 GLH to complete.

Further information from Mrs E Morris