Development of Children and Young People Course
£30.00 Original price was: £30.00.£15.00Current price is: £15.00. +VAT
Save Even More
5+ Courses Only £9.40 Each
10+ Courses Only £8.49 Each
30+ Courses Only £7.99 Each
50+ Courses Only £6.49 Each
100+ Courses Only £4.99 Each
Discount automatically applied on checkout
This course gives an overview of children’s brain development, including how it is influenced by early experiences, relationships, and environments. Strategies to support both children and families, strengthen resilience, and create nurturing conditions for positive outcomes and healthy growth will be discussed.

Written By Allison
Masters In Learning & Development
4.90 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
15 Reviews
Duration: 1 hour
CPD Points: 1
Latest Course Update:
24 Sep 2025
Course details
Child Development Online Training Overview
Gain essential knowledge of child development stages, milestones, and support strategies. This course includes an overview of attachment theory, including the impact of insecure attachment on development. You’ll learn how to identify attachment difficulties and support children and families with stress, interaction and executive function.
Duration: 1 Hour CPD Points: 1What You will learn
Learning Objectives
At the end of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Explain how early experiences shape brain development and long-term wellbeing.
- Identify practical strategies to foster positive relationships and supportive environments for children.
- Recognise factors that may affect parents’ and carers’ ability to provide consistent care.
- Apply techniques that strengthen resilience and emotional regulation in children.
Format: 100% online, self-paced Certificate: Instant digital download on completion
Lessons
Course Content
- Development of Children and Young People – Course Introduction
- Children’s Development and Mental Health
- Understanding Attachment and Its Importance
- Attachment in the Early Years
- Stages of Attachment
- Secure Attachment
- Impact of Insecure Attachment
- Attachment Difficulties
- Trauma and Attachment
- Recognising Signs of Attachment Difficulties
- Supporting Children and Their Families
- How Childhood Experiences Shape Brain Development
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
- The Role of Interaction in Brain Development
- Strengthening Interaction with Children
- Executive Function Skills
- Supporting the Development of Executive Function
- Toxic Stress and Its Impact on Child Development
- Reducing the Impact of Harmful Stress
- Parental Stress and the Effects on Children
- Supporting Parents and Carers
On successful completion of the final assessment quiz, you will be awarded a CPD accredited Development of Children and Young People free course certificate.
Who is this for?
Who is this Development of Children and Young People training for?
This online course has been written at an introductory level 1 for all levels that fit the criteria to take training as part of their role. This includes
- Refresher training
- Inductions
- Awareness
- Knowledge enhancement
The Development of Children and Young People online training offers comprehensive insight into the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social developmental stages from birth through adolescence.
Designed within the UK context, this course equips professionals and carers with a deep understanding of how children grow and learn, enabling them to provide age-appropriate support and create environments that nurture development in line with UK educational and care standards.
Early Years Practitioners and Nursery Staff
Those working with babies and young children in early years settings will greatly benefit from this training to understand key developmental milestones, attachment theories, and early learning frameworks such as the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), ensuring their practice supports optimal growth and development.Teachers and School Staff
Educators across primary and secondary schools can develop a solid grasp of developmental stages and transitions, allowing them to tailor teaching approaches, manage behavioural challenges, and support emotional wellbeing to meet the diverse needs of children and young people.Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs)
SENCOs overseeing additional support provision gain valuable knowledge on how developmental differences and delays may impact learning and behaviour, supporting effective planning and intervention in line with the UK SEN Code of Practice.Childcare Providers and Residential Care Staff
Professionals in childcare centres and residential care settings will understand how to foster environments that nurture holistic development, nurture self-esteem, and encourage social skills, crucial for children and young people in their care.Health and Social Care Professionals
Nurses, health visitors, social workers, and youth workers will find this course essential for comprehending typical and atypical development patterns, facilitating early identification of developmental concerns, and collaborating with multi-agency teams.Parents, Guardians, and Carers
Families seeking to support their children’s growth and learning will benefit from accessible, evidence-based information on developmental stages and parenting strategies, enabling them to promote healthy development and positive relationships.Educational Psychologists and Therapists
Psychologists and allied health professionals involved in assessment and intervention will enhance their understanding of developmental progressions and challenges, informing effective therapeutic and educational planning.Youth Workers and Mentors
Those working directly with adolescents and young people can better understand the social and emotional changes of adolescence, improving their ability to support confidence, resilience, and positive identity formation.
The Development of Children and Young People online training is a vital resource for anyone involved in the care, education, or support of children and young people across the UK. Participants will gain a thorough understanding of the complex and varied developmental stages, enabling them to design effective interventions, foster nurturing environments, and promote wellbeing. This training underpins compliance with UK legislative frameworks and promotes best practices in supporting children’s growth and success.
Definitions
What do we mean by Child Development?
Child development refers to the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes that occur from birth through adolescence. For professionals working with children and young people, a deep understanding of these developmental processes is essential for recognising typical developmental milestones, identifying potential delays or concerns early, providing age-appropriate support and activities, and meeting professional standards and regulations.
Why Childcare Practitioners Need Specialised Training
Working effectively with children requires far more than just general care knowledge. Specialised child development training enables you to:
Support Individual Needs
Recognise that each child develops at their own pace, adapt your approach based on their developmental stage, and identify when additional support may be needed.
Create Developmentally Appropriate Environments
Design activities that match abilities and interests, ensure safety while encouraging exploration, and foster independence at the right pace.
Build Trusting Relationships
Understand attachment and bonding needs, communicate effectively with children at different ages, and respond sensitively to emotional needs.
Work Effectively with Families
Explain developmental stages and expectations to parents, address carer concerns knowledgeably, and recognise the family’s vital role in a child’s development.
Regulatory and Professional Requirements
Many childcare and education settings require staff to demonstrate a strong understanding of child development for Ofsted registration and inspections, making this training excellent evidence of competency.
Furthermore, professional organisations require ongoing professional development in child development for roles such as social workers, residential care staff, foster carers, youth workers, and early years practitioners.
The Scope of This Course
This training covers comprehensive development from early childhood through adolescence, including:
- Physical Development: Motor skills, coordination, health, and nutrition.
- Cognitive Development: Learning, memory, problem-solving, and language.
- Emotional Development: Self-concept, emotional regulation, and self-esteem.
- Social Development: Relationships, socialisation, communication, and peer interactions.
Additionally, the course includes special focus areas such as supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), safeguarding considerations, cultural sensitivity, and trauma-informed approaches.
Supporting Education
Critical courses for CPD
Research demonstrates that professionals equipped with child development training:
- Identify developmental delays 40% earlier
- Provide more appropriate support interventions
- Build stronger relationships with children and families
- Experience greater job satisfaction
- Contribute to better outcomes for children
Legal and Safeguarding Context
A firm grasp of typical development helps practitioners recognise subtle signs of abuse or neglect, such as developmental regression or unusual behaviours. It empowers professionals to identify safeguarding concerns earlier, provide accurate information to safeguarding teams, and offer appropriate support to children who have experienced trauma.
Master the Stages of Child Development (Ages 0-18)
This course includes an overview of how children grow, learn, and interact from birth through to young adulthood. You will gain practical, actionable knowledge across five key developmental stages: Infancy (0-3), Early Childhood (3-5), Middle Childhood (6-11), Early Adolescence (12-14), and Late Adolescence (15-18).
By completing this section, you will be equipped to:
- Identify Crucial Milestones: Confidently track physical motor skills, cognitive breakthroughs, and social-emotional changes at every age.
- Apply Age-Specific Support Strategies: Discover exactly how to adapt your care, communication, and boundary-setting to match a child’s specific developmental phase.
- Navigate Individual Differences: Understand how critical factors like genetics, home environment, culture, and special educational needs (SEND) uniquely influence a child’s developmental pace.
Understand the theory, recognise the signs, and learn how to support the children in your care at every stage of their journey.
| Developmental Stage | Physical | Cognitive | Social / Emotional | Key Support Strategies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Infancy and Toddlerhood (0-3 Years) |
Rapid growth motor skill development Learning to sit, crawl, walk, and run Sleep patterns and nutrition needs. |
Sensory exploration Understanding object permanence Language emergence: first words, simple sentences Cause and effect understanding. |
Primary attachment formation Separation anxiety Beginning of self-awareness Parallel play with peers. |
Consistent, responsive caregiving Safe exploration opportunities A language-rich environment Secure attachment relationships. |
|
Early Childhood (3-5 Years) |
Gross motor mastery (running, jumping, climbing); Fine motor refinement (drawing, cutting, dressing) Toilet training completion Established sleep routines. |
Symbolic thought Pretend play Pre-operational thinking A vocabulary explosion of 1,000+ words Basic number/letter recognition Magical thinking. |
Developing independence ("me do it!") Learning emotional regulation with support Parallel and associative play Understanding basic rules Developing foundations of empathy. |
Provide choices within boundaries Support emotional vocabulary development Facilitate social play opportunities Maintain consistent routines Encourage independence appropriately. |
|
Middle Childhood (6-11 Years) |
Steady growth Improved coordination and athletic ability Permanent teeth emerging Self-care independence. |
Concrete operational thinking Logical reasoning development Reading and writing fluency Improved attention span Understanding time/space concepts Academic skill building. |
Peer relationships become increasingly important Self-esteem is tied to competence Understanding complex emotions Developing moral reasoning Comparing oneself with peers. |
Encourage skill development and mastery Support positive peer relationships Build self-esteem through achievable challenges Teach problem-solving strategies Respect growing need for privacy. |
|
Early Adolescence (12-14 Years) |
Puberty onset Rapid growth spurts Body image concerns Continued brain development. |
Abstract thinking emerges alongside hypothetical reasoning Improved planning and organisation Questioning ideas Metacognition. |
Identity exploration Peak peer influence Increased mood variability Desire for independence versus need for support Beginning of romantic interest Heightened self-consciousness. |
Respect independence while maintaining boundaries Listen without judgment Provide reliable information Support identity exploration Help develop decision-making skills. |
|
Late Adolescence (15-18 Years) |
Nearing physical maturity Continued brain development (particularly executive function) Establishing sleep patterns (often delayed) Peak physical abilities. |
Mature abstract reasoning Future-oriented thinking Improved impulse control Complex problem-solving Idealistic thinking. |
Consolidating identity Evolving peer relationships (quality over quantity) Preparing for independence Mature moral and ethical reasoning Planning for the future. |
Encourage goal-setting and planning Respect autonomy while offering guidance Maintain connection despite independence seeking Support transition planning Constructively address risk-taking behaviour. |
Why choose this course?
Why Choose This Course?
- CPD-Accredited: Boost your credentials with recognised certification upon completion.
- Start Today, Learn Anytime: Instant online access. Learn at your own pace, when it suits you.
- Easy to Use: Our learner-friendly platform works on any device, study on the go, anytime.
- Unlimited Quiz Retakes: No pressure! Retake quizzes as often as you need to build real confidence.
- Real UK-Based Scenarios: Learn to spot the signs of developmental delays and attachment difficulties, with practical, real-world examples.
- Track Progress with Ease: Stay compliant and in control with built-in learner management tools and downloadable reports.
- Affordable, High-Quality Training: Excellent value, perfect for individuals and organisations alike.
Development of Children and Young People FAQ
Development of Children and Young People Frequently Asked Questions
Your course is instantly allocated to you upon completion of your purchase.
Yes, the Development of Children and Young People course has been assessed and awarded a CPD accreditation by the CPD standards office.
Upon successful completion of the quiz at the end of the course, you will be instantly awarded a CPD accredited Development of Children and Young People course certificate to download or print at home for free. We also have an option for you to request a hard copy of the certificate sent to your home or work address.
Yes, the Development of Children and Young People course comes complete with unlimited exam retakes
Yes, the Development of Children and Young People course will aid refresher training. It will give evidence of an understanding for staff induction. It will evidence awareness and improve your knowledge aiding your current skillset. A certificate is awarded upon completion.
We offer a complimentary learner management system to view the learner's course progress, view quiz results and certification. We also offer a dedicated compliance matrix to aid with audits and inspections.
Yes! The course starts with foundational concepts and builds progressively. We explain theories clearly without assuming prior knowledge. However, it's in-depth enough that experienced practitioners also find it valuable for refreshing and extending their understanding.
This is a short CPD course focused specifically on child development theory and application, not a full regulated qualification. Level 2/3 Diplomas in Childcare are comprehensive qualifications covering all aspects of early years practice and take 6-12+ months to complete. This course is perfect for practitioners who:
- Don't work in early years settings
- Need specific child development knowledge for their role
- Want to meet CPD requirements efficiently
- Seek to supplement existing qualifications
Yes, the course covers various types of special educational needs and disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, learning difficulties, and more. However, this is an awareness-level overview, not diagnostic training. You'll learn about developmental impacts and support strategies.
Very practical. Every module includes:
- Real-world scenarios relevant to care settings
- Specific support strategies you can implement
- Downloadable resources and tools
- Reflection activities linking theory to your practice Students consistently tell us the course content directly improves their day-to-day work with children.
Most students complete the course in 1 hour, though you can go faster or slower based on your schedule.
No problem. The course saves your progress automatically. Simply log back in whenever you're ready to continue. There are no penalties or time limits.
Yes. The course platform is fully mobile-responsive and works on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops. You'll need an internet connection and a modern web browser.
You can retake it as many times as needed at no extra cost. You'll receive feedback showing which areas need review, then you can revisit relevant modules before retrying. Most students pass on their first or second attempt.
The digital certificate is available for immediate download once you pass the assessment.
Your certificate doesn't expire. However, best practice recommends refreshing child development knowledge every 2-3 years as research and guidance evolve. You'll receive a reminder with a discounted refresher rate.
Yes. The course is CPD accredited and provides evidence of continuing professional development. Many employers, Ofsted inspectors, and professional bodies accept CPD certificates as proof of training. Check with your specific employer or regulatory body if you have concerns, but CPD certification is widely recognised.
Yes. Every certificate includes a unique verification number. Employers or inspectors can contact us to verify authenticity, or you can provide access to your certificate through the learning platform.
This course provides 1 CPD point, which can contribute to your CPD portfolio for social work registration. However, requirements vary by country (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland). Check with Social Work England, SSSC, Social Care Wales, or NISCC for your specific requirements. Generally, CPD courses are accepted as part of your portfolio.
Ofsted expects residential care staff to have training in child development. This CPD course demonstrates competency in understanding child and adolescent development, which contributes to meeting those expectations. It should be part of a broader induction and training program.
This CPD course supplements, but doesn't replace, formal TA qualifications (e.g., Level 2/3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning). It provides excellent underpinning knowledge that enhances your effectiveness as a TA and contributes to your professional development portfolio.
You can reassign unused licences to new staff members through the admin dashboard. Partially used licences cannot be transferred, but this shouldn't be an issue with rolling enrolment.
Learner Success Stories
feedback from learners just like you
Each of our products are complete with feedback asking customers to rate their experience from 1 to 5
I learned new things about child development which will make me more empathic when students struggle.
Really interesting and informative topic.
A lot to take in but good information.
Interesting and thought provoking
Good work and excellent course
Limited Time Offer: Flash Sale Alert! ⚡
14-Day Money-Back Guarantee
£30.00 Original price was: £30.00.£15.00Current price is: £15.00. +VAT
If you are purchasing for someone else tick this box.
You will allocate the course after purchase to an alternate person(s)
BULK ORDERS. SAVE MORE
Great Deals For Individuals and Teams
Buy
Each
5+ coURSES
£9.40
10+ coURSES
£8.49
30+ Courses
£7.99
50+ Courses
£6.49
100+ Courses
£4.99
Save Even More
250+ Courses
£3.99
500+ Courses
£2.49
1000+ Courses
£1.99
2000+ Courses
£1.45
246 enrolled in this course
CPD Accredited
Free instant certificate
LMS Support
Account Manager
Accepted by employers
Instant Access Upon Enrolment
Compliant to the care frameworks
Downloadable workbook
Audio playback included
12-month anytime course access
Multiple choice exam & resits included
Matrix Colour Coded User Reporting
Available in 50 languages
Bulk Download Certificates
Why Choose Caredemy
CPD Accredited Compliant Courses
Instant Course Access
Enrol online and start today
Free Accredited Certificate
Download & print on completion
Accepted By Employers
We offer nationally recognised, CPD-accredited training
LMS Support
Expert LMS support to maximise your system's potential
Dedicated Account Manager
Fast, expert support for your online training
Free Downloadable Workbook
Recognition of training excellencee Ratings
100% Online
Learn at your pace on desktop, tablet or mobile
Employer Sign-Off Tools
Booklets, mapping & progress logs to aid compliance
CQC Compliant
Aligned with regulatory standards for new care staff