Children’s Play, Learning and Development BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

Applications Open: 13 November 2025

Applications Close: tbc

Entry Requirements Applicants must achieve a grade 4 in English Language or English Literature, and Mathematics, in addition to the minimum requirements in their chosen subjects.

How to Apply Please apply via KentChoices or email T6signup@turnerschools.com

If you are interested in how children develop, working with families or looking to work in the early years sector then this course is for you.

This subject has been developed to reflect recent beliefs in the early years sector which highlight the benefits of play. This course will give you a knowledge base of child development and related theories of child development. In Unit 1 you will develop an understanding of children’s developmental progress from birth up to seven years 11 months. In Unit 2 you will develop an understanding of how children develop literacy, language, numeracy and communication skills and how to promote and support this development. In Unit 3 you will gain an understanding of why play is important to children’s learning and development.

The unit links with a number of different theoretical approaches to children’s play, learning and development that are used throughout the course.

You will complete the tasks using knowledge and understanding from your studies of the sector and apply both transferable and specialist knowledge and skills. Finally, in Unit 5 you will

study the importance of safeguarding children and how safeguarding matters are identified and reported. Overall, you must undertake a minimum of 50 hours work experience in an early years setting.

Unit 1 (M)

Title Children’s Development

Weighting 33%

Assessment Written examination (1hr 30mins) - externally

assessed

Unit Unit 2 (M)

Title Development of Children’s Communication,

Literacy and Numeracy Skills

Weighting 33%

Assessment Assignment set and assessed internally

(M) Mandatory Unit

Unit Unit 3 (M)

Title Play and Learning

Weighting 17%

Assessment Assignment set and assessed internally

Unit Unit 5 (M)

Title Keeping Children Safe

Weighting 17%

Assessment Assignment set and assessed internally

GCSE at Grade 4+ or BTEC or equivalent at Level 2 Pass + in a child or health related discipline. Candidates without a Level 2 qualification in a subject related discipline will be considered upon interview.

In addition to the children’s play, learning and development subject-specific content, you will develop

transferable and higher order skills that are valued by higher education providers and employers. The

study of children’s play, learning and development particularly encourages the development of skills such

as communication, working collaboratively, and self- management. You could progress into various job

roles in the statutory, voluntary or private sectors such as early years educator, primary school teacher,

practitioner in a day nursery, pre-school worker, home based child-carer and nanny, children’s nurse.