The aim of this course is to provide a basic understanding of early years development. It is important for us to understand how our approach to early years children, can make a world of difference to every child. This course can help enable parents/carers/students and any educators to encourage the best outcomes for each and every child through light exploration of the Non-statutory curriculum guidance for the early years foundation stage (publishing.service.gov.uk) and some ideas around the way some children could learning and develop.
An Overview of Some Basic Complexities in Early Years Development course
Current Status
Price
Get Started
Already enrolled? Click the button to begin
- Average time to complete: 2 hours
- 100% online
- Downloadable resources included
- Free CPD-accredited certificate to evidence professional development
A child’s early years are a period of rapid learning and development, shaped by their experiences, relationships, play and everyday interactions. Understanding how children develop can make it easier to respond to their behaviour, recognise the learning taking place and provide appropriate support as their needs change.
This CPD-accredited early years child development course provides an accessible introduction for parents, carers, students and professionals who support young children. Drawing on principles from the Government’s Early Years Foundation Stage framework and Development Matters guidance, it explores learning and behaviour, physical development, communication, emotional and cognitive development, and the importance of recognising when additional support may be useful.
Why this course matters
- The experiences children have in their earliest years can influence learning, communication, relationships and future development
- Everyday play and repeated behaviours can contain valuable learning opportunities that are easily overlooked
- A better understanding of development can help adults respond to behaviour with greater patience and context
- Children develop at different rates and may communicate their needs in very different ways
- Careful observation can provide useful information when there are concerns about a child’s progress or behaviour
- Greater shared understanding can support more constructive conversations between families, educators and healthcare professionals
What you will learn
- The foundations of early years development and the key areas of learning recognised within the Early Years Foundation Stage
- How play, repetition and everyday experiences contribute to a young child’s learning
- What schematic behaviours are and why repeated actions are not necessarily a cause for concern
- How physical development, movement and individual interests can influence behaviour and learning
- The development of communication, language, emotions and cognitive skills during the early years
- How observation and appropriate professional support may help when concerns about a child’s development arise
Who this course is for
This online early years child development training course provides foundation-level learning for people who care for, work with or support young children, including:
- Parents, grandparents, guardians and carers
- Nursery, preschool and early years staff
- Childminders and teaching assistants
- Students considering or beginning a career in childcare or education
- Healthcare and primary care professionals who work with children and families
- Anyone interested in developing a better understanding of early childhood development
No previous knowledge of child development is required.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Describe some of the key areas involved in early years learning and development
- Recognise how play, interaction and repetition can create learning opportunities
- Explain the basic concept of schemas and repeated patterns of behaviour
- Identify some of the factors involved in physical, communication and language development
- Consider how emotional needs, individual differences and adult responses can affect a child’s experience
- Recognise when observations or concerns may benefit from discussion with an appropriate professional
Full course description
Understanding early years development
The course introduces the main areas recognised within the Early Years Foundation Stage, including communication and language, physical development, and personal, social and emotional development. Everyday interactions are used to illustrate how young children can learn several things from what may appear to adults to be a very simple experience.
How young children learn
Repetition is a natural part of early learning. This section considers why children may repeat actions or experiences and introduces schemas – recurring patterns of behaviour through which some children explore and make sense of the world.
Rather than viewing every repeated behaviour as a problem, learners are encouraged to consider what a child may be exploring or learning and whether their development appears to be progressing.
Physical development, communication and behaviour
Movement, sensory experiences and communication all play an important part in a young child’s development. The course considers physical activity and motor development alongside the many ways children communicate, including speech, facial expressions, behaviour and other non-verbal signals.
It also introduces the value of observing patterns and considering what may have happened before and after a behaviour when trying to understand what a child is communicating.
Emotional and cognitive development
Children differ in temperament, confidence, activity levels and the way they respond to unfamiliar experiences. The course explores the connection between emotional wellbeing, cognitive development and the support children receive from the adults around them.
Consistency, reassurance, positive relationships and taking time to understand individual needs are considered as important parts of supporting development.
Recognising when further support may be useful
Not every developmental difference or repeated behaviour indicates that something is wrong. Where concerns persist, however, good observations can provide useful context when seeking further advice.
The course introduces the roles that parents and carers, early years settings, health visitors, education professionals and other services may play in understanding a child’s needs and accessing appropriate support.
Assessment and certification
At the end of the course, you will complete an assessment to demonstrate your understanding of the topics covered. You will need to achieve a result of 80% or higher to pass.
On successful completion, you will receive a free CPD-accredited certificate, which can be downloaded or printed as evidence of your professional development.
Professional responsibility and scope
- This course provides introductory knowledge and awareness of early years development. It does not qualify learners to assess, diagnose or make clinical or educational judgements about an individual child.
- Competency should be assessed within your workplace
- Practice should align with local protocols, current guidance, and professional standards
- You are responsible for applying learning appropriately within your role
- Concerns about a child’s development should be discussed with an appropriate health, education or early years professional
Average time to complete
Approximately 2 hours, depending on your prior knowledge and experience. The course is fully self-paced, allowing you to complete it in stages. You can revisit any sections that you’re unsure of.
Course Content
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can I buy this course for someone else?
Yes. To do this, register using their email address and the name they would like to appear on their certificate.
For example, you might know them as Kate, but they may need their certificate issued in their full birth name, Katherine. It’s best to check these details with them first.
Once the purchase is complete, they will receive the automatic course link by email.
Can I complete the course in my own time, and how long do I have to access it?
All of our online courses are self-paced, so you can complete them at a time that suits you. Your progress is saved at the end of each lesson, allowing you to return and continue later.
You will have six months from the date of enrolment to complete the course. After six months, the course will no longer be available.
Some courses, such as Basic Life Support, must be completed annually by clinical staff. A new course will therefore need to be purchased each year to ensure the training reflects the most up-to-date guidance.
Can I access the training material after completing the course?
Yes. The course materials are available to download during your access period, so you can keep a copy for future reference. Your course access will remain active for six months from the date of enrolment, after which the course will no longer be available.
Which payment methods do you accept?
We accept card payments via Stripe. You can pay using a debit or credit card (such as Visa or Mastercard).
When will I get my certificate?
As soon as you have passed the end-of-course assessment and achieved the required pass rate of 80% or more, your certificate will be available to download from the top of the course page.
Do you offer refunds if I no longer need the course?
Refunds may be available if you have not logged into your account.
Once you have logged in, you will have access to the course materials and downloadable content, and a refund will no longer be possible.
What should I do if I can't log into my account?
When registering, please make sure you enter the correct email address, as login issues are often caused by an incorrect email being used. It can help to copy and paste your email address to avoid mistakes.
If you are unable to log in, click ‘Forgotten password’ and follow the instructions to reset your password via the email link sent to you.
If you continue to experience issues, please contact GPHA-training@gphealthcarealliance.co.uk and we will endeavour to respond within two working weeks.
Save with flexible discounts
Create a bespoke training package:
Choose five or more courses for one learner and receive 30% off the full package
Book training for your team:
Purchasing multiple licences for the same course?
- 5 or more learners, receive 10% off
- 10 or more learners, receive 20% off
To receive a discount code or discuss offers, email gpha-training@gphealthcarealliance.co.uk
CPD for Organisations
We provide fully accredited course packages for your organisation, giving you the confidence your workforce is fully qualified.
