Development of Children and Young People Course

Child Development – Online Course

Course overview
This online course introduces the development of children and young people from birth through adolescence, covering physical, cognitive, emotional and social change. It explores attachment, brain development, adverse childhood experiences, executive function and the effects of stress, alongside age-related stages and practical support strategies. The course takes one hour and is CPD accredited.

Please note: this is an introductory, Level 1 course that provides awareness-level knowledge of child development. It is a short CPD course, not a regulated qualification, and does not replace formal childcare or teaching assistant qualifications or any practical, role-specific training an employer may require.

What the course covers
– Children’s development and mental health
– Attachment, including stages, secure and insecure attachment, trauma and recognising attachment difficulties
– Supporting children and their families
– How childhood experiences shape brain development, including adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
– The role of interaction in brain development
– Executive function skills and how to support them
– Toxic stress, reducing harmful stress and the effects of parental stress on children
– Supporting parents and carers
– Physical, cognitive, emotional and social development
– Five developmental stages: infancy, early childhood, middle childhood, early adolescence and late adolescence
– Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), safeguarding considerations, cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed approaches

Who is it for?
The course is written at an introductory level for people who care for, educate or support children and young people in the UK. It is appropriate for:
– Early years practitioners and nursery staff
– Teachers and school staff
– Special Educational Needs Coordinators
– Childcare providers and residential care staff
– Health and social care professionals, including nurses, health visitors, social workers and youth workers
– Educational psychologists and therapists
– Youth workers and mentors
– Parents, guardians and carers

It can be used for induction, refresher training, awareness or to enhance existing knowledge, and is suitable for beginners as well as experienced practitioners.

Practical benefits
– Recognise typical developmental milestones and how each child develops at their own pace
– Identify possible delays or concerns earlier
– Adapt care, communication and support to a child’s stage of development
– Understand attachment and respond sensitively to emotional needs
– Work more effectively with parents and carers
– Provide evidence of continuing professional development for employers and inspections
– Receive a CPD-accredited certificate for professional development

What learners will be able to do
– Explain key principles and terminology relating to the development of children and young people
– Recognise why the subject matters in day-to-day practice
– Identify common risks, concerns and situations linked to child development
– Understand individual responsibilities and role boundaries
– Apply good-practice principles in workplace situations
– Communicate effectively with relevant people when issues arise
– Recognise when advice, reporting or escalation is required

Is this training a legal requirement?
The supplied information does not state that this training is a legal requirement. It notes that many childcare and education settings expect staff to demonstrate a good understanding of child development for Ofsted registration and inspections, and that Ofsted expects residential care staff to have training in child development. This course can contribute as part of a broader induction and training programme, and it can support a CPD portfolio, including for social work registration, where requirements vary by country. Learners and employers should check the requirements of their own regulator or setting.

Assessment and certificate
Learners complete a final assessment quiz and can retake it as many times as needed at no extra cost. On successful completion, they receive a CPD-accredited certificate that can be downloaded immediately, or printed at home for free. The certificate does not expire, and a hard copy can also be requested for delivery to a home or work address. The course is allocated instantly after purchase, saves progress automatically and can be studied on a phone, tablet or computer. A complimentary learner management system lets organisations view course progress, quiz results and certification, and a compliance matrix is available to support audits and inspections.