Child development could be taught as a new vocational GCSE in England, under plans to give pupils more practical subjects to choose from.
The course would cover early childhood development and prepare young people for jobs in childcare and education.
It is one of several new vocational GCSEs being considered by the government. Other possible subjects include digital technology, business and finance, creative media and construction.
Announcing the news, Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: ‘We’ve all heard someone say ‘school wasn’t really for me’ because they were not given the chance to study vocational courses as well as traditional subjects.
‘That one-size-fits-all approach isn’t working, so we’re building an education system that values both academic and technical parts.’
The qualifications are expected to replace existing Technical Awards, with some courses available from September 2029.
Dame Andrea Leadsom, founder of the 1001 Critical Days Foundation, who recently supported the Babies Bill, said: ”We welcome the prospect of child development being included among the new vocational GCSEs. Understanding how babies develop is valuable preparation for life, as well as for careers working with children.
‘The 1001 Critical Days, from pregnancy to age two, lay the foundations for lifelong emotional and physical wellbeing. Brain development begins in the womb. During the first year after birth, the brain roughly doubles in volume, reaching around 80% of adult volume by age two.’
Tim McLachlan, chief executive of the National Day Nurseries Association, has also welcomed the news, claiming it will give teenagers ‘an insight into exciting career opportunities they might not have considered otherwise.’
Data from the Early Years Alliance shows 69.8% of nursery providers report not having enough staff to run at full capacity and half of providers have had to limit or stop taking on new children.
McLachlan added: ‘The proposed child development course would be a great start because it broadens the knowledge for students who may have an interest in the care or education sectors.
“We would value a mix of knowledge and on-the-job experience that a course like this could give prospective students. Placements can also give future employers a really good demonstration of how the students would work as an employee.
‘However, there is a cost to placements, including DBS checks, which must not be borne by employers.’
Image: Segun Osunyomi/UnSplash
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