TS4S014 - Child Development and Play 01 Sep 2019 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 2

Associated Module Information

Module Code: TS4S014
Module Title: Child Development and Play
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: Therapeutic Studies
Faculty Sub Group: Professional Learning in Education
Module Leader: Louise Nicholl
Module Team: Laura Hanks, Clare Carbis, Anna Playle, Kirsty Richards
First Intended Intake: SEP 2018 Final Year of Intake: 2024
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 7
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100495 - counselling
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 2
Valid From 01 Sep 2019
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

This module aims to:

Communicate the research and theory surrounding the role of play as central to development and therapy in childhood; considering the potential of play for language, social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of the child.

Introduce students to the importance of the relationship between the child and primary carer(s) and studies the way in which Attachment theory and regulation theory explains the potential outcomes and problems associated with different attachment experiences and the consequences of neglect and abuse during childhood.

Equip students with the skills required to undertake 30 hours of child observation as required by the BAPT.

Content Summary

Using a child-focused framework students will be introduced to major theorists in child development, attachment and play, including Humanistic, Social, Cognitive Behavioural and Psychodynamic. Attention will be paid to the impact of neglect, abuse, separation, loss and other trauma on development and on mental health problems. Students will consider definitions of play and its uniqueness for the promotion of development particularly in early childhood.

Students will be required to complete 30 hours of child observation, focusing on key milestones in child development and attachment.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 20
Seminar 4
Tutorial 1
Practical classes and workshops 2
Fieldwork 30
Independent Study 68
Directed Study 67
Formative Assessment - Scheduled 8
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Demonstrate a critical understanding of key and contemporary theories of child development and play.
LO2 Demonstrate critical understanding and an ability to reflect on play and effectively communicate the developmental potential of play using child development knowledge base

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Report 1 Report based upon 30 hours of child observation 0 2500 60 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Essay 1 Significance of play in child development 0 1500 40 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Report 1
Essay 1

Reading List

British Association of Play Therapy Journal

Child Development Journal

Fawcett, M. 3rd edition (2016) Learning through Child Observation London; Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley Publishing

Greenspan, S.I. and Greenspan, N.T. 3rd Edition (2003) The Clinical Interview of the Child Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Publishing

International Journal Play Therapy

Ray, D.C. (2016) A Therapist’s Guide to Child Development The extraordinary Normal Years Oxon: Routledge