ICTQual AB Level 3 Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition (Dip Maternal and Child Nutrition)

The ICTQual AB Level 3 Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition (Dip Maternal and Child Nutrition) is a comprehensive qualification designed for learners seeking specialised knowledge in nutrition for mothers, infants, and children. This diploma provides learners with a thorough understanding of how nutrition impacts maternal health, pregnancy outcomes, infant growth, and child development, equipping them with the skills to support families and communities effectively.

Learners will explore key principles of maternal and child nutrition, including nutrient requirements during pregnancy and lactation, infant feeding practices, early childhood dietary needs, and strategies for preventing malnutrition. The programme emphasises evidence-based approaches, enabling learners to assess dietary intake, develop tailored nutrition plans, and implement interventions that promote optimal health for mothers and children.

This qualification is ideal for healthcare professionals, dietitians, nutritionists, midwives, childcare practitioners, and individuals seeking Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to enhance their expertise in maternal and child nutrition. By completing the Dip Maternal and Child Nutrition, learners gain the ability to provide informed dietary guidance, support healthy pregnancy and early childhood development, and contribute to community health initiatives.

The course also prepares learners for career progression by developing critical thinking, research, and practical skills necessary for working in maternal and child nutrition. Learners will be equipped to implement nutritional strategies that improve maternal wellbeing, support infant and child growth, and prevent nutrition-related health issues. Additionally, the qualification provides a pathway for further academic advancement and professional development, enabling learners to pursue higher-level diplomas and specialised roles in maternal and child health, clinical nutrition, and public health.

Course overview

Level 3 Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition (Dip Maternal and Child Nutrition)

To enrol in ICTQual AB Level 3 Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition (Dip Maternal and Child 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 nutrition, dietetics, healthcare, midwifery, or childcare is advantageous but not mandatory.
  • Work Experience: Prior experience in healthcare, nutrition, dietetics, midwifery, childcare, or community health is beneficial, though not compulsory.
  • English Proficiency: Learners must demonstrate sufficient English language skills to understand course materials, complete assignments, and communicate effectively.
  • Additional Requirement:Learners should have basic ICT skills to access digital resources, conduct 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 Maternal and Child Nutrition (Dip Maternal and Child Nutrition), consists of 6 mandatory units.

  1. Maternal Nutrition and Health During Pregnancy
  2. Nutrition in Lactation and Infant Feeding Practices
  3. Nutritional Requirements for Infants and Young Children
  4. Child Growth, Development, and Dietary Assessment
  5. Prevention of Malnutrition and Nutrition-Related Health Issues
  6. Ethical, Social, and Professional Considerations in Maternal and Child Nutrition

Learning Outcomes for the Study Units:

Maternal Nutrition and Health During Pregnancy

  • Understand the physiological changes during pregnancy and their impact on nutritional needs.
  • Identify key nutrients essential for maternal health and foetal development.
  • Analyse dietary strategies to support healthy pregnancy outcomes.
  • Evaluate the role of nutrition in preventing pregnancy-related complications.

Nutrition in Lactation and Infant Feeding Practices

  • Understand the nutritional requirements for breastfeeding mothers and their infants.
  • Explore evidence-based infant feeding practices, including breastfeeding, formula feeding, and complementary feeding.
  • Assess factors affecting lactation and maternal nutrition.
  • Develop strategies to support optimal infant feeding and early growth.

Nutritional Requirements for Infants and Young Children

  • Identify essential nutrients required for infants and young children.
  • Analyse dietary needs at different stages of early childhood development.
  • Develop age-appropriate meal plans to support growth, immunity, and cognitive development.
  • Apply guidelines for preventing nutrient deficiencies and malnutrition.

Child Growth, Development, and Dietary Assessment

  • Understand principles of child growth and developmental milestones.
  • Conduct nutritional assessments for infants and young children using appropriate tools.
  • Identify indicators of healthy growth and potential nutritional risks.
  • Develop interventions to promote optimal child development and wellbeing.

Prevention of Malnutrition and Nutrition-Related Health Issues

  • Explore common nutrition-related health issues in mothers, infants, and children.
  • Develop strategies to prevent malnutrition, obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies.
  • Apply public health principles to address dietary challenges in community settings.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of nutritional interventions in improving maternal and child health.

Ethical, Social, and Professional Considerations in Maternal and Child Nutrition

  • Understand ethical principles and professional responsibilities in maternal and child nutrition.
  • Recognise social, cultural, and psychological factors affecting dietary practices.
  • Apply best practices to ensure safe, respectful, and evidence-based nutritional guidance.
  • Promote responsible professional conduct when advising mothers, families, and communities.

Completing the ICTQual AB Level 3 Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition (Dip Maternal and Child Nutrition) provides learners with specialised knowledge and practical skills to support maternal health, infant growth, and child development through evidence-based nutritional strategies. This qualification equips learners to make a meaningful impact in clinical, community, and public health settings while preparing them for advanced academic and professional pathways in maternal and child nutrition.

Academic Progression

  • Progress to Level 6 Diplomas in Maternal and Child Nutrition, Advanced Nutrition, or Public Health Nutrition for deeper understanding and specialised expertise.
  • Access Level 7 Diplomas in Clinical Nutrition, Dietetics Leadership, or Precision Nutrition for advanced professional and academic development.
  • Foundation for higher education in Nutrition, Dietetics, Midwifery, Public Health, or Health Sciences, enabling learners to pursue research or specialised practice roles.
  • Opportunity to specialise further in areas such as perinatal nutrition, paediatric dietetics, or community maternal health programmes.

Professional Development Opportunities

  • Develop expertise to provide personalised nutrition advice for mothers, infants, and children in clinical and community settings.
  • Enhance CPD for professionals already employed in healthcare, midwifery, dietetics, childcare, or public health.
  • Build skills in nutritional assessment, dietary planning, and preventive health strategies for maternal and child populations.
  • Prepare for advisory roles supporting healthy pregnancy, infant feeding, early childhood development, and nutrition education initiatives.

Career Pathways

  • Roles in hospitals, maternity clinics, paediatric units, community health organisations, and childcare settings.
  • Opportunities in government or non-governmental organisations (NGOs) focusing on maternal and child health and nutrition programmes.
  • Prospects in nutrition consultancy, public health projects, and community education initiatives.
  • Potential for self-employment as a Maternal and Child Nutrition Consultant, providing specialised guidance to families, schools, or healthcare providers.

Long-Term Progression

  • Serve as a stepping stone toward Level 6 and Level 7 qualifications, enabling advanced practice, leadership, and research opportunities in maternal and child nutrition.
  • Opportunities to contribute to health policy development, community health strategies, and research projects aimed at improving maternal and child wellbeing.
  • Prepare for senior roles focused on evidence-based interventions, programme management, and innovation in maternal and child nutrition services.

FAQs

This course is designed for learners who wish to specialise in maternal and child nutrition. It is suitable for healthcare professionals, dietitians, nutritionists, midwives, childcare practitioners, and individuals seeking Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to enhance their skills in supporting maternal health, infant feeding, and child development through evidence-based nutrition.

Learners must be at least 18 years old to enrol. A Level 2 qualification or equivalent is recommended but not mandatory. Prior experience in healthcare, nutrition, midwifery, childcare, or community health is advantageous but not compulsory. Learners must have sufficient English language proficiency to understand course materials, complete assignments, and communicate effectively. Centres delivering this course must have qualified staff and the required learning resources to ensure high-quality learning.

ICTQual AB Level 3 Diploma in Maternal and Child Nutrition (Dip Maternal and Child 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 Maternal and Child Nutrition (Dip Maternal and Child 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 Maternal and Child Nutrition (Dip Maternal and Child 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%