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Certificate of Higher Education in Children and Families - Learning outcomes

Educational aims

This certificate provides a stimulating supportive learning experience about the health and social care of children and young people. In addition to being a qualification in its own right it will be good preparation if you wish to pursue a degree. The certificate’s aims are to:
  • contribute to the development of good practice in health and social care with children, young people and families
  • enhance your knowledge and understanding of health and social care in different contexts, particularly in relation to children and young people
  • enhance your knowledge of children, young people and their development drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives
  • support you to reflect upon and apply knowledge from case studies, research findings and theory
  • supply the knowledge base for progression onto higher qualifications
  • provide a learning framework that will equip you with the study skills necessary to succeed at degree level study. 

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

On completion of this certificate, you will have knowledge and understanding of:
  • theories and concepts underpinning understandings of children and young people and work in health and social care
  • legal and ethical frameworks
  • diversity of values
  • processes promoting health and wellbeing. 

Cognitive skills

On completion of this certificate, you will be able to:
  • analyse situations from different perspectives
  • apply concepts and theories to understand childhood, youth and health and social care practice with this age group
  • use information to develop and sustain arguments.

Practical and/or professional skills

On completion of this certificate, you will be able to:
  • demonstrate understanding of how practice in health and social care involves sensitivity to values and diversity
  • understand the importance of relationships and interdisciplinary and inter-professional working with children and young people
  • understand practical and ethical dilemmas in practice and possible solutions. 

Key skills

On completion of this certificate, you will be able to:
  • communicate effectively in different mediums
  • use a range of source material
  • develop learning using online environment and tools
  • manage own learning and identify strengths and weaknesses.

Teaching, learning and assessment methods

You will participate in tutor-led online forums and online tutorials and you will receive individual tutor support from associate lecturers who have skills for supported open learning and knowledge/experience of the field.

As an individual student and within your tutor groups, you will use textual and audio-visual case material to examine practice dilemmas, issues and innovative ways of working.

Your study of the module Introduction to childhood studies and child psychology will include weeks dedicated to the development of literacy and study skills on which you will be assessed. This will include the writing of a learning journal and a personal development plan.

In your written assessments you will demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of each module’s learning outcomes. You will be expected to construct arguments using sources and perspectives from different disciplines and standpoints. You will be encouraged to apply knowledge and demonstrate understanding and analysis of skills and values for practice.