Child Development

Staffing List:

Mrs C Cooper - Lead Teacher

Vision statement:

At Testbourne Community School, we inspire students to understand the crucial role that early experiences play in shaping a child's future. Through a blend of classroom learning and practical opportunities, students explore how children grow, learn and develop from birth to five years. Our engaging Virtual Baby Programme and links with local early years settings bring learning to life, helping students develop patience, responsibility and an appreciation of the importance of high-quality care and education.

Students study the OCR Cambridge National Level 1/Level 2 Award in Child Development, a nationally recognised qualification for students aged 14–16 that is equivalent to a GCSE. The course combines examined and coursework-based units, allowing students to apply their knowledge through practical and research-based learning.

Key areas of study include:

  • Understanding child development from birth to five years
  • Supporting children's physical, intellectual and social development
  • Creating safe and stimulating environments for children
  • Nutrition and health for young children
  • Designing activities that promote learning and development
  • Understanding the role of parents, carers and early years professionals

By combining academic learning with hands-on experiences, students develop valuable transferable skills such as communication, organisation, problem-solving and creativity. The course provides an excellent foundation for further study and careers in childcare, early years education, teaching, health care, nursing, social care and other professions that support children and families. Through this course, students gain a greater appreciation of the importance of the early years and the significant role they can play in helping children achieve the very best start in life.

CD 2026 Roadmap.pdf

Curriculum Map

H&SC 2026 Roadmap RO35 RO33 RO32.pdf

610941-specification-cambridge-nationals-child-development-j809.pdf

The course is comprised of three units studied across Years 10 and 11. Students complete two internally assessed coursework units and one externally assessed examination. The qualification combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, enabling students to develop a strong understanding of child development and the factors that influence children's growth and wellbeing.

 

As part of their learning, students engage in a range of research and practical activities, including observations, planning age-appropriate activities, and exploring real-life childcare scenarios. Our optional Virtual Baby Programme provides students with a valuable opportunity to experience the responsibilities of caring for an infant and apply their learning in a realistic context.

 

The units of study are:

  • R057 – Health and well-being for child development (40%, externally assessed 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
  • Antenatal care and preparation for birth
  • Postnatal checks, postnatal care and the conditions for development
  • Childhood illnesses and a child safe environment.

 

  • R058 – Create a safe environment and understand the nutritional needs of children from birth to five (30%, internally assessed coursework)
    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 preparing a meal or a bottle feed.

 

  • R059 – Understand the development of a child from one to five years (30%, internally assessed coursework

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.

Opportunities to buy revision guides through the school are available to students and their parents early in year 10.

 

Cambridge National in Child Development Revision Guide

Encourage your child to take an interest in how babies and young children learn, grow and develop. Discuss experiences with younger siblings, family members, or children they know, and explore topics such as healthy lifestyles, play, learning and child development. Watching educational programmes, reading articles about parenting and early years education, or following current developments in childcare can help bring classroom learning to life.

Students will also benefit from developing their independence and responsibility, particularly when caring for their Virtual Baby and completing coursework tasks. Supporting them with organisation, time management and opportunities to discuss what they are learning can help deepen their understanding and confidence throughout the course.

  • Ensure your child is using their revision guide to prepare for unit tests and exams.
  • Check they are doing their homework, ask to see it. 
  • Support your child if they are involved in the Virtual Baby programmes offering guidance and promoting patience and emotional support.
  • Encourage the weekly production of mind maps or revision cards, and completion of practice exam questions.
  • Students should make use of mark schemes to check any practice papers or exam questions they have completed so that they can identify where they have gained and lost marks - a great deal can be gained from unpicking questions and understanding what marks are awarded for.

As part of the course, students can take part in the optional Virtual Baby Programme, a hands-on experience designed to simulate the responsibilities of caring for an infant. Using lifelike electronic babies that require feeding, changing, and comforting, students gain a realistic insight into the physical, emotional, and practical demands of early parenthood. This engaging activity helps develop empathy, time management, and an understanding of child development in a safe and supported environment.

Further information

For more details, please contact Mrs Cooper, Head of Health & Social Care, at c.cooper@testbourne.school