Child Development

Academy 360 is an all-through Academy and this page provides an overview of Child Development across our Secondary phase.

Here you will find information about our curriculum intent, implementation and impact for Child Development, as well as how we support all pupils to succeed. This includes the strategies and adaptations we use to meet the needs of disadvantaged pupils and those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Please use the drop-down menus below to explore Child Development in more detail, depending on which phase of the Academy you are interested in. Each section outlines how Child Development is taught, developed and assessed, ensuring clear progression throughout the Secondary phase.

Curriculum Intent – Child Development 

At Academy 360 in the Child Development course, we aim to provide students with The OCR Child Development course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development of children from birth to the age of 5. This course is designed to foster a deep appreciation of child development, equipping students with the knowledge and practical skills to support children’s growth, well-being, and learning. 

Key Objectives: 

1. Understanding Child Development: Students will explore key milestones in child development, examining physical, cognitive, and emotional changes that occur from infancy through early childhood. They will learn how different factors, including health, environment, and family, influence a child’s development. Students will examine how health, nutrition, and care impact child development, with an emphasis on the importance of early intervention and the role of caregivers in fostering healthy growth.  

2. Practical Application: The course focuses on real-world application, where students learn to plan and evaluate activities that support the development of children. This includes understanding how to create safe, nurturing environments that promote learning and well-being. We welcome young children into the academy for students to interact with as well as preparing bottles for babies. 

3. Progression and Employability: The course provides students with valuable skills for further study and careers in childcare, education, and health-related fields. Students will develop key skills such as problem-solving, communication, and organization, which are essential for working with children in a range of professional contexts.  

4. Preparing for Future Learning: The course lays a foundation for further education in childcare, psychology, education, or health and social care. Students will develop a strong understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of child development, helping them make informed choices about future pathways. 

5. Impact on Literacy and oracy: The course enhances students’ literacy skills by developing their ability to read, analyse, and interpret information related to child development. Students will engage with various texts, case studies, and reports, improving their reading comprehension and writing skills as they explain developmental theories, observations, and evaluations. There are opportunities for students to develop their ability to communicate ideas, ask questions, and express opinions, building confidence in both verbal and interpersonal communication. 

By the end of the course, students will have a thorough understanding of child development, health, and well-being. They will be well-prepared for future study or employment in child care and related fields, equipped with the knowledge, empathy, and skills needed to support the growth and development of children. 

The OCR Child Development course provides a structured learning journey from basic knowledge to advanced understanding of child development. Starting from an introduction to health, well-being, and basic developmental concepts, students progressively explore the physical, emotional, and social growth of children. Practical application is emphasized, allowing students to plan and evaluate activities that support development. Communication skills are also developed through discussions and presentations, preparing students for future careers in childcare or education.

This course builds a comprehensive foundation for understanding and supporting children's development. The OCR Child Development course prepares students for life after school by equipping them with practical skills and knowledge applicable to various careers in childcare, education, and health services. Students gain a deep understanding of child development, health, and well-being, which is valuable for roles such as nursery assistants, early years educators, or healthcare professionals. The course also enhances communication, problem-solving, and empathy, essential skills for working with children and families. Additionally, the course provides a solid foundation for further study in related fields, such as psychology or social care, offering clear pathways for both employment and higher education. 

Knowledge builds cumulatively: Core concepts such as development milestones, health, nutrition, and safety are introduced early and revisited through increasingly complex case studies. Logical progression from pregnancy to early childhood: Students move from pre conception and antenatal care to birth, development, and the needs of young children. Interleaving and retrieval practice: Key ideas (e.g., attachment, routines, safeguarding) are revisited to strengthen long term memory. NEA preparation embedded throughout: Skills such as research, observation, and structured writing are taught gradually so students are ready for controlled assessment. 

Contributing to our A360 Curriculum Intent in Child and Development, we contribute to our whole school intent by: 

How does our curriculum cater for disadvantaged students and those from minority groups?

Students who are disadvantaged, including those with multiple barriers, are actively considered in curriculum planning and sequencing to ensure equitable access, targeted support, and the best possible outcomes for all. 

Students have opportunities for overlearning: Key developmental concepts are revisited across units, helping students with memory or processing difficulties. Practical, real world tasks: Coursework components give students hands on, applied learning that often benefits those who struggle with purely theoretical content. Accessible assessment formats: The mix of NEA (coursework) and written exams reduces pressure on students who may not perform well in high stakes tests. Clear command words and predictable exam structure: This supports learners with exam anxiety, literacy challenges, or SEND needs. 

In the OCR Child Development course, both the NEA and the exam are designed to revisit and connect key threshold concepts such as child development stages, safety, nutrition, family needs, and inclusive practice. The exam introduces and tests core knowledge, while the NEA requires students to apply this knowledge in real life contexts, such as planning activities, analysing children’s needs, or evaluating safety and nutrition. This repeated cycle of learning, applying, and reflecting helps students deepen understanding, strengthen long term memory, and make meaningful links between theory and practice. 

Literacy Skills

Students develop strong literacy skills within Child development through deliberate opportunities to read, write, speak, and listen using subject-specific vocabulary and language, enabling them to communicate and think critically with confidence. 

Students have exposure to authentic texts such as case studies, practitioner guidance, NHS materials, and developmental charts helps students decode and interpret real world information. 

• Structured reading tasks (e.g., analysing feeding guidelines, interpreting growth percentiles) develop comprehension and inference. 
• Discussion-based learning around topics like parenting choices, safety, or developmental norms encourages students to articulate ideas clearly. 
• Extended written responses in the exam require students to explain, justify, and evaluate using subject specific terminology. 
• Coursework tasks (NEA) develop planning, note taking, drafting, and structured report writing 

Qualifications

Students leave our academy with excellent qualifications that give them a wide range of choices and opportunities as they move into the next stage of education and adult life.

We prepare students with transferable skills for careers in childcare, education, healthcare, and social services. Direct links to vocational pathways such as Health & Social Care, Childcare, Psychology, and Sociology. Strong foundation for apprenticeships in early years, teaching assistant roles, and health-related fields.  Understanding of child development and care equips students with practical knowledge relevant to family life and community roles. Awareness of health, safety, and wellbeing supports responsible decision making beyond school. 

Strong Character

Students develop strong character traits that will support them to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

The OCR Child Development course helps students build strong character by developing empathy, resilience, responsibility, and critical thinking through practical, real life learning. For example, when students analyse how families cope with challenges or plan safe activities for young children, they learn to problem solve and adapt. When they study the needs of babies or children with disabilities, they practise empathy and understanding. Coursework tasks that require organisation and reflection help them build independence and resilience. These experiences prepare learners to thrive in a rapidly changing world. 

Physical and Mental Health

Our students develop their physical and mental health, alongside their intellectual growth.

We promote student well-being and empathy while enhancing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills for future success.  Exploration of bonding, attachment, and emotional wellbeing helps students understand mental health in themselves and others. Case studies and reflective tasks develop empathy, resilience, and emotional literacy. Discussion-based learning builds confidence, self-expression, and the ability to manage differing viewpoints. 

Cultural Experiences and Opportunities

Students have access to high-quality cultural experiences and extra-curricular opportunities.

We provide students with opportunities to engage with young children and practice essential caregiving methods. Visits to early years settings such as nurseries, playgroups, or children’s centres give students first hand insight into child development in real environments. Interactive baby dolls are also used at KS$, the students take the dolls home for a weekend. This is  a valuable teaching tool in secondary education because they turn abstract child development theory into real, hands on experience. They help students understand infant needs, develop empathy, and appreciate the responsibilities involved in caregiving. This practical engagement deepens learning, improves coursework quality, and prepares students for real life situations and future careers in childcare, health, and social care.

Careers Information

Students engage with high-quality careers information and guidance across all key stages.

We offer students insight into careers in childcare, education, and healthcare, helping them make informed decisions about their future paths. Visits to early years settings or community organisations allow students to observe professional practice first hand. Opportunities to ask questions and learn about qualifications, training, and career journeys build aspiration and confidence. 

British Values

Students have a highly developed understanding of the fundamental British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance.

We teach respect, tolerance, and individual freedom through different care practices. It also covers the importance of rules in keeping children safe and encourages teamwork and inclusivity when making decisions about childcare. Safeguarding and child protection content teaches students why laws exist to protect children and families. Study of legal frameworks such as maternity rights, parental responsibility, and health and safety reinforce respect for the law.

Protected Characteristics

Students have a strong understanding and appreciation of all protected characteristics, including race, gender, religion, disability and sexual orientation.

We contribute to our whole school intent by encouraging inclusive practices and teaching students to support every child's unique needs in a respectful and empathetic way. The specification requires students to learn about: different types of families, cultural and religious influences on child rearing, how children’s needs vary, how to support children with disabilities or additional needs 

These topics naturally introduce protected characteristics and why they matter in real world childcare settings. In the NEA, students must, plan activities, consider children’s individual needs, justify how their choices support inclusion. This forces them to think about, disability, cultural needs, gender considerations, communication differences. It’s a practical way of embedding respect for protected characteristics 

Click the link below to see our Secondary Child Development Curriculum

Child Development 2 Year Curriculum Map