The ICTQual Level 1 Award in Early Learning and Childcare provides a practical introduction to the essential principles of early childhood education and care. Designed to build foundational knowledge, the course explores how young children develop, learn, and thrive within safe, supportive, and nurturing environments. It introduces key concepts relevant to early years settings and provides a clear understanding of the responsibilities involved in supporting children’s wellbeing and development.
The course covers important areas including early childhood education and care, child development, health and safety, positive relationships, early years legislation, safeguarding, observation, and record keeping. Learners develop an understanding of physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development from birth to age five, while exploring appropriate practices for creating positive learning experiences. The content also highlights effective communication and responsible approaches to working with children, families, and colleagues.
With its focus on essential early years knowledge, the ICTQual Level 1 Award in Early Learning and Childcare offers a structured foundation for understanding childcare practice and early childhood development. It is relevant to childcare environments such as nurseries and other early years settings, helping learners build awareness of safe practice, child-centred care, professional responsibilities, and effective observation. The course provides a valuable starting point for developing knowledge within the early learning and childcare sector.
- Age Requirement: Learners must be at least 16 years old at the time of enrolment for this course.
- Professional Experience: Previous work experience is strongly beneficial.
- Educational Background: A basic secondary school education is recommended.
- Language Proficiency: Learners should have sufficient English language skills.
Mandatory Units
Skills You Will Gain
Here are the learning outcomes for each study unit of Level 1 Award in Early Learning and Childcare:
Introduction to Early Childhood Education and Care
- Understand the fundamental principles and purpose of early childhood education and care.
- Recognise the role of early years practitioners in supporting children’s learning and development.
- Explore different educational approaches and settings for early years care.
- Develop awareness of the importance of providing a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment for children.
- Identify ways to support the holistic development of children in early years settings.
Health and Safety in Early Years Settings
- Understand key health and safety principles relevant to early years environments.
- Identify potential hazards and risks that may affect children, staff, and visitors.
- Apply safe practices to prevent accidents, injuries, and the spread of infections.
- Demonstrate awareness of emergency procedures and first aid responsibilities.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and secure environment while promoting children’s wellbeing.
Child Development
- Recognise the stages of physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development in children.
- Understand factors that can influence child development, including health, family, and environment.
- Identify signs of developmental delays or concerns and respond appropriately.
- Support children’s learning through age-appropriate activities and play.
- Reflect on how individual differences affect learning and development in early years settings.
Promoting Positive Relationships
- Develop effective strategies for building trusting and respectful relationships with children.
- Understand the importance of positive interactions in supporting children’s social and emotional development.
- Engage with families and carers to create a collaborative approach to childcare.
- Promote inclusivity, empathy, and respect in all relationships within the early years setting.
- Respond appropriately to children’s needs, behaviour, and emotional wellbeing.
Understanding Early Years Legislation and Regulations
- Understand the key legislation, policies, and standards governing early years practice.
- Recognise the importance of safeguarding, child protection, and welfare requirements.
- Apply regulatory frameworks to ensure compliance in daily practice.
- Appreciate the role of professional codes of conduct and ethical standards in childcare.
- Demonstrate understanding of how legislation impacts children, families, and practitioners.
Observation and Record Keeping
- Develop skills to observe and monitor children’s behaviour, learning, and development.
- Record observations accurately, objectively, and in line with best practices.
- Use observations to plan activities and support individual learning needs.
- Maintain confidentiality and professional standards in record keeping.
- Analyse information from records to improve care and developmental outcomes.
The ICTQual Level 1 Award in Early Learning and Childcare is recommended for learners seeking foundational knowledge of early childhood education, childcare, child development, safeguarding, health and safety, and positive relationships. It provides a structured introduction to essential principles used within early years environments. The course is relevant to learners exploring childcare practice and understanding the responsibilities involved in supporting young children.
Who Is This Course For
- Learners seeking an introduction to early learning and childcare.
- Individuals interested in physical, cognitive, social, and emotional child development.
- Learners developing knowledge of safeguarding, child protection, health, and safety.
- Individuals interested in positive communication and relationships with children and families.
- Learners seeking awareness of early years legislation and professional responsibilities.
- Individuals interested in child observation and record keeping.
- Learners exploring safe, inclusive, nurturing, and child centred environments.
- Individuals interested in nursery, childcare, and early years settings.
- Learners seeking foundational knowledge of childcare, learning, wellbeing, and development.
- Individuals building awareness of essential childcare and safeguarding practices.
The ICTQual Level 1 Award in Early Learning and Childcare provides foundational knowledge that can support progression within the early years, childcare, and child development sector. It helps learners build awareness of essential childcare practices, safeguarding, child wellbeing, and early learning principles. The knowledge gained can support a range of practical and professional development pathways in childcare environments.
Future Progression
- Supports knowledge relevant to early years and childcare settings.
- Strengthens understanding of physical, cognitive, social, and emotional child development.
- Builds awareness of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.
- Develops knowledge of health, safety, wellbeing, and safe childcare practices.
- Supports positive communication and relationships with children and families.
- Provides knowledge of child observation and record keeping.
- Promotes awareness of inclusive, nurturing, and child centred childcare.
- Supports development in early learning, childcare, and child wellbeing.
- Builds awareness of early years policies, legislation, and professional responsibilities.
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