Early Childhood Development (Single Award) (AAQ) - Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification

Applications Open: 21st November 2025 (9.00am)

Applications Close: 13th February 2026 (4.00pm)

How to apply:

- All INTERNAL applicants MUST apply via Applicaa using this link (coming soon!)

- All EXTERNAL applicants MUST apply via Kent Choices using this link https://www.kentprospectus.co.uk/login

- All correspondence between learners and the school after an application is made will be via Applicaa.

- All applicants (internal and external) will be invited in for a 1-1 guidance meeting.

- Those who have a successful guidance meeting will be offered a place to study at St John's Sixth Form from September 2026.

The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Early Childhood Development (Extended Certificate) is an Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) designed for post-16 students with an interest in Education and Early Years and aiming to progress to higher education as a route to graduate level employment.

The qualification has four mandatory units covering the following topics:

• Children’s development – Children’s developmental progress from birth up to eight years, including the theories, principles and factors relating to development, and the potential impact of a range of factors on a child’s progress through the developmental milestones.

• Keeping Children Safe – Health and safety and safeguarding responsibilities of an individual working in an early years setting; emergency best practices and when to address concerns about a child’s welfare.

• Play and Learning – The concept of play, the influence of theories and approaches to play, and the benefits of play and learning activities for children.

• Research and Reflective Practice – The influence of research findings on policy and provision for children and how this influences the behaviours and expectations of an individual working in an.

Modules Studied

In the Extended Certificate you will study the following units:

• Unit 1 – Children’s Development (External)

• Unit 2- Keeping Children Safe (External)

• Unit 3- Play and Learning (Internal)

• Unit 4- Research and Reflective Practice in an Early Childhood Setting (Internal)

A minimum of 5 subjects at GCSE Grade 4/BTEC Level 2 Pass or higher:

Including

Grade 5 in GCSE English Language or Literature.

• If BTEC Level 2 Health and Social Care or BTEC Level 2 Child Development has been studied at Key Stage 4, a distinction or higher, including a pass or higher in the examined element or distinction/distinction* overall is required.

What further learning will this qualification lead to?

• Nursing – BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing, Nursing – Child – BSc (Hons)

• Teacher Training – Childhood and Early Years Studies BA (Hons)

• Social Work – BA (Hons) Social Work

• Psychology – Psychology BSc (Hons).