CYP 3.1 Essay


The sequence of children’s development for each age is divided into five different aspects: Physical; Social, Emotional and behavioural; Communication and language; Intellectual and cognitive.


0 – 3 Years

Physical development at this stage is usually very rapid. At birth babies depend on reflexes for movements to enable them feed or grasp whenever they touch something. By age one; they have much more control over their bodies. They are beginning to crawl, shuffle, pulling or pushing on things to stand etc.

Between 1 and 2 years walking will begin and toys will be pulled or pushed along whilst walking.

They enjoy trying to feed themselves with finger foods. Waving goodbye becomes fun they will begin to point to what they want and shake their head to mean ‘no’.


3 – 7 Years

They will be developing their gross and fine motor skills: Running, Jumping, Catching, throwing and aiming, building, climbing, pedalling, use of scissors, holding a pencil to draw and colour threading small beads sewing stitches etc.

They are able to dress themselves up, do and undo buttons and zips etc.  Writing becomes more fluent as copying letter shapes has progressed to words and sentences with greater pencil control.

7 – 12 Years

They grow taller and thinner, losing their baby teeth. They may begin to have hobbies and interest which means they are more practised in some areas e.g. football, singing, dancing etc. Girls begin to show the early signs of puberty.

12 – 16 Years

Physical development during this period is very different in each child. As some may be just beginning to mature physically, others may have already reached full physical maturity.

Boys begin to go through puberty while many girls would have completed the process and have regular periods. At the end of this stage, most boys will be taller than most girls on the average.

16 – 19 Years

Girls may have reached maturity but boys continue to grow until their mid 20’s


0 – 3 Years

Children start by recognising familiar voices; like parents voice and they stop crying when the hear them.  They later begin to respond to smiles and make noises as well.

By 18 months they are able to make one – two syllable words like mama; baba; dada; bye; bye-bye; out; etc. They have a vocabulary of 3 to 20 words, can join in simple rhymes and enjoy books.

At age 3, they should have a vocabulary of about 300 words. They use more adult forms of speech, making proper sentences and are able to deliver simple messages

3 -7 Years

Between 3-5 years old, children have a vocabulary of 900 – 1500 words, they ask lots of questions, use language for assistant and can vocalise most of their ideas. They continue to enjoy reading books, stories, songs and rhymes. They listen to and can follow simple instructions; can deliver verbal messages.

Between 5 – 7 years old their vocabulary increases to 1500 – 4000 words. They develop early reading skills. Show interest in more complex books, stories and poetry.

7 – 12 Years

They have a very wide vocabulary of 4000 – 10000 words. Their reading and writing skills become much more advanced: they spell more accurately, they can do joined up writings, know how to use punctuations, can read a comprehension and answer questions. Appreciate jokes as their language knowledge has become more advanced. They can use their knowledge of reading and writing to access information may on letter; dictionary; encyclopaedia; email; internet; computers etc.


0 – 3 Years

Babies start by recognising parents and concentrating on familiar voices. Become aware of different smells. They put things in their mouth to explore. They respond to moving objects and respond to bright colours and bold images. They see everything in relation to themselves (egocentric).

Between 18 months and 2 years they are able to recognise objects from pictures and books, point to what they want, match colours and shapes, do jigsaw puzzles, follow simple instructions, concentrate for longer, show preference and start to make choice.

Between 2 to 3 years they continue to imitate other older children and adults. Develop an understanding of big and small, enjoy imaginative play, shows some awareness of right and wrong.

3 – 7 Years

At 3 years they learn about basic concepts through play. They experiment with colours shapes and texture. They can recall simple sequence of events and follow simple instructions.

Between the ages of 5 and 7 they become more curious. Develop interest in reading for themselves. Their concentration becomes much longer. T

7 – 12 Years

Enjoy board games and other games with rules. See other peoples point of view. Enjoy number work but still need real objects to help mathematical process. Interested in more complex construction activities (complex lego )

12 – 16 Years

They knows the difference between real and imaginary. They develop more creative abilities. Reads more complex text with improved comprehension and can write much better.

Understand more abstract maths and science like physics, chemistry, algebra etc.

16 – 19 Years

They will begin to think of their future in terms of occupations, relationships etc.  They will focus on things they have excelled in and start to make their way in the world.


0 – 3 Years

When babies are born they cry to communicate most of their needs. As they grow older, they become very attached to their parents /carer. They experience instant extreme emotions like very happy, very scared, very angry etc. By 9 months they know stranger and they become very wary of them.

By 18 months they want to help adults and imitate all their activities

3 – 7 Years

Between 3-5 years old they develop their identity. Begin to play with their friends and socialise using imaginative play. They enjoy being given responsibility e.g  helper/heldwr,  and they want to please and seek approval from adults. Argues with other children but is quick to forgive and forget. Still has an outburst of cry when tired, stresses or frustrated.

At 7 they cooperate with others and take turns. They may copy unwanted behaviour like swearing, biting etc to gain adult attention. They become more aware of the feelings of others and comfort others when they are upset, unwell or hurt themselves. They may have an imaginary friend. They may lose their confidence if they fail.

7 – 12 Years

They have at least 1 friend and they enjoy the company of other children. They sometimes like to have their own space. They become less concerned with adult approval and become more concerned with peer approval.

They are still very possessive but less egocentric.  Aware of the wider environment e. Weather, plants, animals, people in other parts of the world.

They can measure up their achievements against others and this may lead to a sense of failure if they feel that they don’t measure up.

12 – 16 Years

They can be very supportive towards others experiencing difficulties. They may be strongly influenced by role models in the media. Emotional changes due to puberty. They can anticipate people’s reactions and consider the consequence of their own actions. They may have strong opinion or beliefs leading to arguments with adults and peers; may hold grudges and find it difficult to forgive and forget.

16 – 19 Years

They become adults but still need advice and guidance as they lack experience and they experience emotional maturity at different rates.



1.1   Explain the difference between the sequence of development and the rate of development and why the difference is important.

Sequence is the order that development happens E.g. A baby’s physical development may begin with rolling over, then sit up, crawl, walk, run. Another baby may sit up, walk, run, and miss out rolling over and crawling. Even though elements are missed the development still proceeds in an expected pattern.

Rate is the speed at which development happens. E.g. one baby may achieve walking unaided at 10 months; another may accomplish walking at 12 months and another at 16 months.

It is important to recognise the difference so we can identify where children need help or may be at risk of having a special education need.

It also helps the teacher to plan and prepare for the children who are at different stages of their development as a result of varying rates.



After birth there are various aspects which can affect children and young people’s development. These include:

Health Status
A combination of genetics and other factors can affect a child or young person’s health. There may be conditions such as cystic fibrosis (A condition in which the lungs and digestive system become clogged with thick sticky mucus), sickle cell disease (Abnormally shaped red blood cells resulting in serious infections, anaemia and damage organs), diabetes, etc. that have an automatic impact. Even general colds or viruses could have an effect. There may also be problems which are set off by certain conditions such as environment. These conditions can affect all aspects of a child or young person’s development.
Conditions such as spina bifida and cerebral palsy have a physical effect on children and their development. Spina bifida occurs when the baby’s spinal cord does not develop properly during pregnancy. As a result the child’s legs may be partially or fully paralysed and they may have a curvature of the spine, difficulties in controlling their bowel and bladder and deformities in bones and joints.  Physical disabilities can put a child at a disadvantage in many ways e.g. If a child has restricted movements they may find it difficult to join in with things such as sport, putting building blocks together manipulating materials etc…This can in turn affect their confidence and ability to interact with their peers.

Sensory impairment –Visual or hearing


2.2 Explain how children and young people’s development is influenced by external factors

Poverty and deprivation:


For example, the children may feel isolated, experience low self esteem and confidence, if their parents can’t afford to pay for their school trip, get them clothes for dress up day etc.

 Family environment and background:

So many circumstances go in families which may affect the child. They include: parents separating, having new partners, losing family member, family member being ill, job loss etc.

 Looked after/ care status:

These children can sometimes be moved around regularly and this may affect their development.   They may have separation and attachment issues and may sometimes not want to go to school. Socially they may be unable to make friends, they may experience academic regression from missing school on a regular basis and emotionally they may become very fragile and unstable.


2.3 Explain how theories of development and frameworks to support development influence current practice


Piaget influenced many teaching techniques such as the focus on the process of the child’s thinking and the active role of the learner.   Piaget’s focus on the process of the child thinking promoted the development of the stages of cognitive development. Teachers use the stages in today’s classroom as a way to gauge a child’s cognitive functioning. This permits the development of activities and learning experiences that are at the correct cognitive development stage for the child’s ability to learn.



Theorists such as John Watson, B.F. Skinner, and Albert Bandura contributed greatly to the behaviourist perspective of development. Behaviourists believe the child’s environment shapes learning and behaviour; in fact, human behaviour, development, and learning are thought of as reactions to the environment. This perspective leads many families, schools, and educators to assume that young children develop and acquire new knowledge by reacting to their surroundings.

Many environmentalist-influenced educators and parents believe that young children learn best by role activities, such as reciting the alphabet over and over, copying letters, and tracing numbers.

This viewpoint is evident in the classrooms where young children are expected to sit at tables and listen attentively to their teachers.

Operant Conditioning

It simply means if we get praised for doing something, we tend to do it again but if we get told off, we tend not to do it again. Negative and positive reinforcement, this theory can be seen in current practice where teachers give stickers, praise and reward for good behaviour and disapproval, time out and ignoring for  unwanted behaviour.




Observations can be taken during lessons or in the playground. They record what the child is doing in a subjective way. It’s most appropriate to use this method when child’s development is causing concern.

Assessment Framework

This is the way that children are being assessed to determine whether they are in need, what those needs are and how those needs can be met.

These are usually used with the class teacher and the SENCO.

An example is the Foundation Phase Child Development Profile where at age 3 when children begin nursery they will be assessed in the 7 development areas. Observations will recorded and this will be used to make provision for children according to their needs.

Information from colleagues and carers

Parents/carers who know the child and colleagues expertise are invaluable, especially when planning for social and academic success for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. If we are concerned about child’s development it’s good to ask/share information.

Standard measurements

These include health assessments, reasoning tests, cognitive aptitude tests (CATs.  They are used to establish where children are developmentally compared to their peers.

3.2      Explain the reasons why children and young people’s development may not follow the expected pattern.


Emotional reasons, if a child is not settled and having good attachments they are more likely to have low confidence and self esteem they might not try new tasks and have a lack of motivation.

Physical development might be effected by genetics this can mean physical growth difficulties or may be the child might be a slower learner.

Environmental as in outcome 2.2 there are many reasons that can effect child development like poverty, where a child lives, education and their family structure can effect a child’s development.

Culturally how people bring up their children can differ vastly like in china a girl is deemed second class to a boy the boy is worth tying to a boat but not a girl. Other cultures have restrictions on children’s freedoms this can adversely affect the child’s development.

Social reasons are that for children born into poverty and families whose parents are separated are likely to have negative effects of children’s development or if a family might give less time to activities which aid children’s developments like a lack of play this can also effect child development.

Learning difficulties children might have these due to genetic diseases, birth difficulties, and cognitive difficulties or might just have difficulties with writing or reading.

Communication as mentioned in unit 075 for medical reasons like hearing or tongue tied can cause communication problems children who have communication needs find it hard to express themselves and can show aggressive behaviour when frustrated. Children who experience communication needs might have problems with reading and writing.

3.3          Explain how disability may affect development

If they have a physical disability, it may affect how they interact with their peers if they become withdrawn and/or isolated. It may also affect their behavioural development if they become angry and frustrated.

Sometimes fit people can think that disabled people aren’t able to do certain activities thereby limiting them to what we feel they can do. As professionals working with children we should provide equal opportunity and not restrict the child only to activities we feel they are capable of doing.


According to the Department of Education’s Early Intervention Paper (2010), “Early intervention means intervening as soon as possible to tackle problems that have already emerged for children and young people”. There are different professionals who come into school to discuss ways the child with additional needs can be supported. They include:

Speech Therapist: The speech therapist works in partnership with parents, teachers and other professionals involved, to help children develop their communication skills to the best of their ability, and reach potential booth educationally and socially. For some children, particularly those with speech sound difficulties, this may involve weekly sessions for a period of them. For other children, input may be at the level of working with parents and professionals to set appropriate goals and monitor progress.

Social worker: They come in when parents ask for help or if there is a concern about a child in the home environment. Sometimes schools contact social services directly if they are worried about a child’d home environment. They also work with the school regarding ‘Looked After Children’.

Physiotherapist: They work with the parents and classroom assistants. They give advice and set targets on how pupils can develop their gross motor skills. 

Following the agreed period of support, the child’s progress will be reviewed in partnership with parents/carers and others and further recommendations and actions will be adopted according to the child’d changing needs.

Psychologist: An Educational Psychologist may come in if  the child does not make any progress following interventions by and speech therapist. They will carry out assessment on the child which uses different tools, techniques and approaches that draw on relevant psychological theory and research. The purpose of the assessment would be to understand what is happening to the child, who is concerned, why there is a problem and what can be done to make a difference to the situation.

4.1   Analyse the importance of early identification of speech, language and communication delays and disorders and the potential risks of late recognition.


Language development is so important, if a child has a problem communicating they may become frustrated and this may affect other aspects of their development including social, emotional, behavioural, moral, cognitive and intellectual.

If delayed language acquisition is diagnosed early enough, professionals can target the child’s needs and support him/her in the best possible way so that they don’t out on milestones in their development.

Outside agencies can be informed and the child will receive the specialist support  they require.

Risks could include: the child not fulfilling their potential; experiencing problems with learning and understanding information; struggling to be independent; child being isolated and withdrawn; difficulty in or loss of interest in making and keeping friendships; lack of motivation; depression; low self-esteem and confidence; inability to express feeling appropriately; possible regression of behaviour; separation anxiety and anti-social behaviour.

4.2   Explain how multi-agency teams work together to support speech, language and communication

Children who have speech, language and communication problems often have different professionals who work with them to support them. They sometimes come together as a team to discuss the need of the child and how these needs can be met as the guiding principle is that all services should work together closely in the best interest of the child.

They would include :

Speech and Language therapist

Refer to section 3.4


The school’s senco manages SEN provision in schools. They work with different professionals who support the child, to ensure that the child’s appointments and paperwork are up to date.

Autism Advisory teacher

They come into school to advise on how best to support children who have been diagnosed with autism.


Puppets: When children interact with puppets and make them talk and interact with one another, they are also involved in dramatic play. This type of play is excellent for developing language and for expressing feelings.

Games: When children play games they learn to take turns and communicate with each other. They express how they feel about what the other child has to do or did and sometimes they try to support the other child if they think they do not understand the game and it’s a great way for them to develop their communication. Their vocabulary will improve.

Pictures: Pictures are used alongside words to make communication more easier and understandable. In fact in my placement school, the reading scheme that is used starts the children  off with ‘picture only’ books so the children are encouraged to talk about the pictures in the book and make their own story up and ask questions.

Technology: Computer programmes (apps and games), interactive whiteboard, story tapes, cds are all ways of stimulating a child’s communication development. These days a lot of programmes are interactive and children can hear and respond to different applications made specially to help develop their language.

5.1          Explain how different types of transitions can affect development


This usually comes from the children’s personal experiences in life.

Bereavement: a loss of carer, family member, friend, pet or even toys(for much younger children) can affect children’s development. They may display frustration, aggression, anger, regression, withdrawal and other behavioural problems.

Divorce: Sometimes children may think it’s their fault that mum and dad are not together anymore. They may begin to hate themselves. Physically they may experience a loss in appetite and insomnia. They may not be able to concentrate in school and it may become challenging for them as they may be suddenly expected to become more independent.


This type of transition is a result of movement to a different location

Migrating: This is very stress for children as they have to lose all their relationships(family and friends), start a new school, and possibly learn a new language, accent and culture. They may feel different to others (physical racial differences like skin colour; eye colour; hair colour)  and  too young to handle their feelings. They may become frustrated, hate their parents, be unable to settle in school and show behavioural problems in school.


This type of transition can be seen when children move to different learning framework.

From Foundation Phase to National Curriculum: In the Early Years Foundation Phase, children most have their learning experience through play. When they make that transition into National Curriculum, it has a huge effect on them as they begin to have formal ways of learning and less creative and expressive activities.They may show signs of anxiety, not wanting to go to school, not understanding why they have to be in school hence not engaging in the learning activities.


This is as a result of changes to our body due to physical growth and development or long term medical conditions.

Puberty: Young people begin to experience puberty from early teenage. During that period a lot of hormonal changes take place in their body which results in physical body changes. They experience mood swings which can sometimes lead to behavioural problems or withdrawal. They may not like the way that they look or they may feel that they have reached maturity so they can decide what they want for themselves. Sometimes these decisions (taking harmful substances, getting pregnant and truancy) affect their development negatively and they are not able to achieve their full potential.



They know that someone is there that they can talk to about how they feel and talking about it may help them to cope better and settle down much quicker.

Nobody likes to go through a situation feeling that they are on their own and no one is supporting them. A positive relationship will reassure children that they are being cared for and supported.

They learn how to deal with stressful situations and become resilient. Their likelihood of low self-esteem/worth/confidence which often leads to depression in later life may be reduced.



Teaching Assistants Handbook level 3 by Teena Karmen

Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools by Louise Burnham

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Child Development Theories

14 thoughts on “CYP 3.1 Essay

  1. Struggled a little with this unit but after reading through i managed to get on the right track and finish it. Let’s hope my tutor will pass it. Thank you

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