Supporting children’s development is an introductory course for anyone who is interested in children’s development, especially support staff in schools, such as teaching assistants. It builds on your knowledge and skills to develop a deeper understanding of children from the early years to school leavers. You will be introduced to some core ideas surrounding development and learning, behaviour, special needs and disabilities.
Earn this free Open University digital badge if you complete this course! The badge can be displayed, shared and downloaded as a marker of your achievement. The badge is awarded for completing the course and passing the quizzes.
Course learning outcomes
After studying this course, you should be able to:
- Have gained an insight into the varying perspectives of children from early years through to secondary school
- Be able to reflect on personal experience and practice, identify strengths and weaknesses, and apply this to your practice issues
- Understand how some theories attempt to explain children's development
- Be able to reflect on the value of the work of teaching assistants, the support skills involved, and think about your future role.
First Published: 09/09/2019
Updated: 16/04/2020
What I valued most was how theory linked directly to practice – from the SEN Code of Practice 0-25 and the 4 broad areas of need to behaviour as communication – Bennett's 10 tips, restorative practice, the Index for Inclusion – Booth & Ainscow, and supporting mental health and anxiety.
The activities were reflective, not just academic – auditing my school's SEN Information Report, the Index audit – Do I have high expectations?, and using books like The Huge Bag of Worries to listen to children. The panel discussion with Katie Harrison HLTA helped me reflect on my own motivations and vertical transitions – Reception to Year 1.
It has improved my confidence in the graduated approach – assess, plan, do, review, person-centred planning, and encouraging reading through phonics and reading for pleasure.
Fully accessible, well-structured and inclusive. I would highly recommend it to any TA, parent or grandparent working with children, especially those considering HLTA status.
Thank you, OpenLearn, for this quality free learning.
Uchechukwu Nwosu