Early Childhood Education and Care - Level 5 HND

Course Content

The Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care offers students an in-depth introduction to the subject area via mandatory units, while also allowing for the acquisition of specific knowledge, skills and experience through specialist pathways and the selection of optional units across a  range of occupationally-relevant subjects at Level 4 in year one and Level 5 in year two. 

Students will gain a wide range of sector knowledge tied to practical skills gained in evidence-based practice, personal research, self-study, directed study and work-integrated learning and experience.  

HND Core units

Year 1

• Personal and Professional Development through Reflective Practice

• Protecting Children in Early Education and Care Environments

• Play and Learning in Early Childhood

• Supporting and Promoting Children's Development (Babies and Toddlers)

• Supporting and Promoting Children's Development (Young Children)

• Promoting Healthy Living

• Preparing for Research

• Promoting Inclusive Early Education and Care Environments.

Year 2 

• Investigating Childhood: Action Research for Early Childhood Practitioners

• Improving Quality in Early Childhood Education and Care Environments

• Current & Emerging Pedagogies in Early Childhood Education and Care

• Trauma in Childhood: Addressing the Impact of Adverse Experiences on Child Health and Wellbeing

• Outdoor Play and Learning

• Innovative Approaches to Children's Play and Learning in Practice

Work placement requirements

A minimum requirement of 375 hours’ in year 1 and a further 150 in year 2, work placement or experience in early education and/or care settings. The mandatory elements of work placement/experience are as follows. A minimum of two different settings is required in the following age ranges:

• From birth to one year, 11 months

• From two years to four years, 11 months

• Five years to seven years, 11 months

Fiona Coulter, Curriculum Area Manager for Early Years, provides more details about this course in this short video.

Course Aims

Students will gain a wide range of sector knowledge tied to practical skills gained in evidence-based practice, personal research, self-study, directed study and work-integrated learning and experience. 

Special Features

This course will be delivered face to face with blended learning aspects.

Course Update

Please note from September 2025, all Ballymena courses are planned to move to the new Ballymena campus at Farm Lodge.