Children's Play, Learning and Development BTEC National Ext. Certificate (Single) Level 3 (Block A)

Applications Open - 13th October 2025

Applications Close - Not applicable

Entry Requirements - 5 x 4-9 grades, including English and maths. Individual course criteria apply

How to Apply -

External Students Please apply via KentChoices. Please note - after sending your application, you'll receive a welcome email from Applicaa asking for further information. https://www.kentprospectus.co.uk/login.

Internal students - apply via Applicaa - you will receive an email from Applicaa on 27th November, or use the link here - https://abbey.applicaa.com/

Contact ncrouch@abbeyschoolfaversham.co.uk with any questions

Are you considering a career in childcare? Childcare professionals are critical to the infrastructure of today’s economy, without students like you wanting to work with children and help them develop, millions of working parents would not be able to work.

Child Development teaching at The Abbey School aims to inspire students to consider a career in the early years sector, or other related sectors where knowledge of child development is relevant. We aim to give students an opportunity to acquire some of the knowledge and understanding identified by employers as the building blocks for future competence in the workplace.

This level 3 BTEC leads onto a wide range of child related undergraduate degree courses at most universities.

The qualification consists of seven units across the two years, three of which are mandatory and two externally assessed.

Unit 1 Children’s Development (external)

Unit 2 Development of Children’s Communication, Literacy and Numeracy Skills (external)

Unit 3 Play and Learning (external)

Unit 5 Keeping Children Safe (internal)

Unit 6 Children’s Physical Development, Care and Health Needs (internal)

Unit 8 Working with Parents and others in Early Years (internal)

Unit 11 The Early Years Foundation Stage (internal).

Internal Assessment takes the form of four coursework units

External Assessment consists of two exams and a synoptic assessment.

5 9-4 GCSEs to include:

A minimum of Grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

Students completing this Certificate can progress to University or College to study Higher Qualifications (Level 4/5).