ICTQual AB Level 3 Diploma in Pediatric Nutrition (Dip Pediatric Nutrition)

The ICTQual AB Level 3 Diploma in Pediatric Nutrition (Dip Pediatric Nutrition) is designed for learners who wish to develop specialist knowledge and skills in child nutrition and dietary management. This course provides a strong foundation in understanding the nutritional needs of infants, toddlers, and adolescents, ensuring learners can apply evidence-based practices to support healthy growth and development. By exploring the principles of paediatric dietary requirements, learners will gain the expertise needed to address common nutritional challenges such as childhood obesity, malnutrition, food allergies, and feeding difficulties.

The diploma focuses on essential areas including nutrient requirements across different developmental stages, the role of breastfeeding and weaning, balanced diets for children, and the importance of early nutritional interventions in preventing long-term health issues. It also covers practical strategies for promoting healthy eating habits in children and supporting families with tailored nutritional advice.

This qualification is highly suitable for healthcare assistants, child caregivers, nutrition advisors, and individuals working in childcare or community health roles who want to expand their professional skills. It is also valuable for those seeking to enhance their CPD in nutrition, healthcare, and early childhood development.

By completing this course, learners will not only acquire a recognised qualification but also the confidence to contribute to the wellbeing of children through informed nutritional guidance. The programme opens pathways for further progression in advanced nutrition and healthcare studies, equipping learners to play a vital role in improving paediatric health outcomes.

Course overview

Level 3 Diploma in Pediatric Nutrition (Dip Pediatric Nutrition)

To enrol in ICTQual AB Level 3 Diploma in Pediatric Nutrition (Dip Pediatric Nutrition), learner must meet the following entry requirements:

  • Age Requirement: Learners must be at least 18 years old at the time of registration.
  • Educational Background: A minimum of a Level 2 qualification or equivalent is recommended. A background in healthcare, biology, childcare, or nutrition is advantageous but not mandatory.
  • Work Experience: Prior experience in healthcare, early childhood education, or nutrition-related roles can be beneficial, though it is not a compulsory requirement.
  • English Proficiency: Learners must demonstrate sufficient English language skills to understand course materials, complete assignments, and communicate effectively.
  • Additional Requirement:Learners are expected to have basic ICT skills to access digital resources, conduct online research, and complete assessments where required.
  • Centre Requirements: Centres delivering this qualification must have competent and qualified staff, along with the required learning resources, facilities, and support systems to ensure high-quality delivery and learner success.

This qualification, the ICTQual AB Level 3 Diploma in Pediatric Nutrition (Dip Pediatric Nutrition), consists of 6 mandatory units.

  1. Principles of Pediatric Nutrition
  2. Infant and Early Childhood Feeding Practices
  3. Nutrition for School-Aged Children and Adolescents
  4. Pediatric Nutritional Deficiencies and Disorders
  5. Food Allergies, Intolerances, and Special Diets in Children
  6. Monitoring, Assessment, and Planning in Pediatric Nutrition

Learning Outcomes for the Study Units:

Principles of Pediatric Nutrition

  • Demonstrate understanding of macronutrients and micronutrients and their specific functions in supporting growth, immunity, and cognitive development in children.
  • Analyse the role of balanced dietary intake in preventing both undernutrition and overnutrition during childhood.
  • Evaluate the short-term and long-term consequences of poor dietary patterns on pediatric health, including stunted growth, obesity, and chronic illness risk.

Infant and Early Childhood Feeding Practices

  • Explain the physiological and developmental needs of infants and toddlers and how feeding practices should adapt during the early years.
  • Assess the benefits and limitations of breastfeeding, formula feeding, and complementary feeding practices.
  • Provide guidance to caregivers on introducing solid foods, managing picky eating behaviours, and establishing lifelong healthy eating habits.
  • Apply evidence-based recommendations from global health bodies (e.g., WHO, UNICEF) in designing feeding strategies for early childhood.

Nutrition for School-Aged Children and Adolescents

  • Identify the increased nutritional requirements of children in relation to physical activity, growth spurts, and hormonal changes during puberty.
  • Examine the impact of diet on cognitive performance, concentration, and emotional well-being in school-aged children.
  • Recommend diet and lifestyle strategies to address issues such as childhood obesity, eating disorders, and sedentary behaviour.
  • Adapt nutrition guidelines to cultural, social, and economic factors that influence dietary choices in children and adolescents.

Pediatric Nutritional Deficiencies and Disorders

  • Recognize the causes and health consequences of common deficiencies such as iron deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, calcium deficiency, and protein-energy malnutrition.
  • Evaluate how nutrition influences the management and prevention of pediatric disorders such as diabetes, celiac disease, obesity, and anemia.
  • Analyse case studies to recommend appropriate nutritional interventions and supplementation strategies.
  • Develop awareness of public health policies and interventions aimed at reducing childhood malnutrition globally.

Food Allergies, Intolerances, and Special Diets in Children

  • Differentiate between food allergies, intolerances, and autoimmune-related conditions (e.g., lactose intolerance vs. celiac disease).
  • Explain diagnostic approaches and nutritional management strategies for children with dietary restrictions.
  • Recommend safe alternatives and balanced dietary adjustments for children with allergies or specific health conditions.
  • Apply knowledge to design individualized meal plans that maintain adequate nutrient intake while addressing special dietary requirements.

Monitoring, Assessment, and Planning in Pediatric Nutrition

  • Demonstrate practical skills in assessing dietary intake, growth patterns, and nutritional status using tools such as food diaries, growth charts, and BMI-for-age indices.
  • Interpret clinical and biochemical indicators of nutrition in children to identify deficiencies or imbalances.
  • Develop individualized nutrition care plans that are realistic, culturally appropriate, and adaptable to different pediatric needs.
  • Emphasize the importance of continuous monitoring, family education, and follow-up in ensuring effective long-term outcomes in pediatric nutrition.

Completing the ICTQual AB Level 3 Diploma in Pediatric Nutrition (Dip Pediatric Nutrition) provides learners with a solid academic and professional foundation to pursue advanced qualifications and diverse career opportunities in the fields of healthcare, nutrition, and child development. This diploma not only equips learners with practical knowledge of pediatric nutrition but also enhances their employability and prepares them for lifelong learning. The progression routes are designed to support learners in advancing their education, entering specialised fields, or moving into rewarding careers.

Academic Progression

  • Progress to higher qualifications such as the ICTQual AB Level 4 Diploma in Nutrition, Health, or Pediatric Studies.
  • Access to Level 5 Diplomas in fields like Nutrition Science, Public Health, or Healthcare Management.
  • Foundation for undergraduate studies in Nutrition, Dietetics, Child Development, or Health Sciences.
  • Opportunity to specialise further in areas such as clinical pediatric dietetics or community nutrition programmes.

Professional Development Opportunities

  • Pathway to employment in healthcare settings as a Pediatric Nutrition Assistant or Health Advisor.
  • Work in schools or childcare centres as a Child Wellness Coordinator or School Nutrition Consultant.
  • Enhance skills for professionals already employed in healthcare, childcare, or community services to support career advancement.
  • Build expertise to transition into specialised pediatric nutrition and child dietary planning roles.

Career Pathways

  • Roles within hospitals, pediatric clinics, and community health organisations.
  • Opportunities in government or non-governmental organisations (NGOs) focusing on child health and nutrition.
  • Prospects in school nutrition programmes and early years education support services.
  • Self-employment as a Child Nutrition Consultant, providing advisory services to families, schools, and childcare providers.

Long-Term Progression

  • A stepping stone towards becoming a Registered Dietitian or Clinical Nutritionist with further study and training.
  • Potential to move into health policy development, designing programmes to improve child nutrition on a community or national level.
  • Opportunity for research-based roles, contributing to innovations in pediatric nutrition and child health sciences.

FAQs

This course is ideal for learners who want to develop specialist knowledge in child and infant nutrition. It is suitable for healthcare professionals, childcare practitioners, nutrition advisors, and individuals seeking Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to enhance their skills in pediatric health and dietary management.

Learners must be at least 18 years old to enrol. A Level 2 qualification or equivalent is recommended, though not mandatory. While prior experience in childcare, healthcare, or nutrition can be beneficial, it is not compulsory. Learners must have sufficient English language proficiency to engage with course materials and complete assessments. Centres delivering the course must have qualified staff and the necessary resources to ensure high-quality learning.

ICTQual AB Level 3 Diploma in Pediatric Nutrition (Dip Pediatric Nutrition) is 30 Credits training program. As this Training program have mandatory assessment which will be conducted through Approved Training Centers.

ICTQual AB allows to offer Level 3 Diploma in Pediatric Nutrition (Dip Pediatric Nutrition) in various formats, including online, in-person, or a combination of both. Participants can choose the format that best fits their schedule and learning preferences. But final decision is made by ATC.

Yes, ICTQual AB Level 3 Diploma in Pediatric Nutrition (Dip Pediatric Nutrition) consist of 6 mandatory assessments . These assessments are designed to evaluate participants’ comprehension of course material and their capacity to apply concepts in practical situations. It is mandatory to pass assessments with a minimum score of 75%