CYP Core 3.1

1.1 Explain the sequence and rate of each aspect of development from birth – 19 years

Physical development

Age Range
Explain the sequence and rate of development

0 – 3 years

The rate of physical development at this stage is fast.

Babies turn their head towards sounds and movements. They start sitting with support and gradually sit alone. They raise their hands to be lifted and point their fingers to objects. They try to crawl or roll and then eventually learn to walk alone. They try to hold pencils and crayons to write and draw pictures. By the age of three they should be able to use cups and feed themselves.

4 – 7 years

By this age the child may have gained more control of their body and have a sense of space and co-ordination. This allows them to jump, kick a ball, climb stairs confidently and play with larger equipment. Fine motor skills are also developing so a child can hold and drawer with a pencil properly and have control when using scissors. As they grow they may learn to ride a bicycle.

8 – 12

Children will now start to refine many of their skills. They may become involved with a particular hobby such as dance or sport which requires physical exercise and practice. They also gain more controlled movements of the body for finer movements such as playing an instrument. Physically, girls will start to show signs of puberty by the age of 11.

13 – 16 years

By this age boys will be starting to go through puberty which many girls will have started previously and be experiencing regular periods. Due to puberty there is usually a rapid change in height and strength, especially with boys. Boys are said to have their growth spurt earlier than girls.

17 – 19 years

At this age, most girls will have reached physical maturity, whereas boys will continue to change until their mid 20’s.

Communication and language development

Age Range
Explain the sequence and rate of development

0 – 3 years

Adults try to communicate with babies from a very young age. Even though they cannot understand what is being said, the information is still processed and it stimulates their mind. Initially they make a variety of happy sounds. As they grow they will make four to five different sounds and turn their head towards sources of sounds which they enjoy hearing. At around 12 months most babies attempt to speak although their pronunciation is not clear. Then they improve from using single words to complex words. Between two and three they will use 30 to 150 words. Children usually say words incorrectly such as ‘drawed/drew’.

4 – 7 years

Children will start to use more vocabulary as they develop social relationships. They will start to ask a lot of questions and talk about things they enjoyed doing or that they did at the weekend. You should be able to have a conversation with children in this age category as their speech and language will now be developed.

8 – 12

Most children will be fluent speakers in their own language. They will be developing their reading and writing skills and learning new, more complex vocabulary.

13 – 16 years

At this age, children may start to learn another language at secondary school such as French, Spanish or German.

17 – 19 years

Take ownership and responsibility for own learning and begin to develop language with explanations of previously learnt skills. More professional communication skills within vocation settings. Develop a more mature approach to communicating with other adults, e.g. no longer communicated as child to adult, now communicating as young adult to an adult.

Intellectual and cognitive development

Age Range
Explain the sequence and rate of development

0 – 3 years

They begin to familiarise themselves with the world around them. They imitate others and try out ways of behaving in play. They learn to identify different items and recognise colours. They will become more confident but still they need adult support.

4 – 7 years

At this stage children concentrate on developing aspects of number and writing. They will continue to learn about the world around them and will start learning to read.

8 – 12

Children will start to become fluent in both reading and writing skills. They will develop and voice their individual thoughts and preferences. They will be able to store more information and think in a more complex way. They are very much influenced by adult’s behaviour.

13 – 16 years

Most children will have a certain subject which they prefer and will begin to concentrate on improving their skills for this and have more motivation. They may lose confidence in subject areas which they struggle with. They can reflect on strengths and weaknesses.

17 – 19 years

After leaving school, young people must consider which career path they would like to take and what further education they would like to participate in. They can focus on things that they enjoy doing and excel in and look to develop these.

Social, emotional, behavioural and moral development

Age Range
Explain the sequence and rate of development

0 – 3 years

At the initial months they will recognise faces and voices. They enjoy playing with others and like playing games. They will please adults and perform for the audience without realising they are doing so. Children may start to have tantrums if they do not get their own way.

4 – 7 years

Children will start to play with other peers and develop social relationships. They often use imaginative and role play. They like having a responsibility for example class helper. They may still have the odd tantrum and need to be to be made clear of the boundaries.

8 – 12

Groups of friends formed. Will undergo more independent activities. Constantly require praise and encouragement or rewards. They are aware of what others think of them. They sometimes try to push boundaries and need to be reminded of these.

13 – 16 years

Confidence and self-esteem is easily affected within this age group. Children feel vulnerable. Enjoy spending more time with their friends. Feel pressure of growing up and experiencing new life choices. Sometimes unsure how to behave and react in certain different situations.

17 – 19 years

Often need advice and guidance from other adults to be pointed in the right direction. Lack experience which can affect confidence. Will form mew social relationships with work colleagues or different friends at college.