Early Childhood Development (AAQ) – From Sept 2025

Do you have a passion for working with children? Are you eager to make a positive impact on their lives and contribute to their growth and development? If so, the Early Childhood Development Extended Certificate is the perfect choice for you. The course gives a unique perspective by examining theories of development alongside practical application in a range of childcare settings and the role of professionals working with young children.. 

This course is the equivalent of 1 A level and can be studied alongside a Health and Social Care AAQ as well as a variety of other A level qualifications including Psychology, Biology, English and Sociology. 

In addition to acquiring knowledge and understanding of how children develop, you will also gain insights into different childcare settings and child-related careers. You will develop practical skills for working with children through hands-on lessons and through work experience. We also offer the opportunity to obtain a Paediatric First Aid certificate.

Units include:

• Children’s Development
• Keeping Children Safe
• Play and Learning
• Research and Reflective Practice

Our experienced staff, hailing from diverse backgrounds in early years education and primary education teaching and leadership, deliver these courses with passion and commitment. As a student, you will have access to high-quality work placement opportunities, allowing you to gain practical experience and make meaningful connections in the industry. Many of our students progress onto apprenticeships or university courses, pursuing careers in teaching, child nursing, speech and language therapy, early years education and social work.

The course is assessed through a variety of coursework and examinations. You will complete one coursework unit and one examination in each year of the course.

To study this course, 5 GCSEs at grade 4 and above including English Language and Maths is required.

Progression….

• Hannah is a full-time Early Years Educator in a local nursery.
• Aaron is completing a Primary Teaching degree at university.
• Izzy is studying Child Nursing at university.
• Ashlee is studying at Norland Nannies, the top Nanny training school in the UK
• Julie is completing a Speech and Language Therapy degree.

For further information please contact: andrew.fields@qmc.ac.uk