Pediatric Nutrition
The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Pediatric Nutrition and Feeding (Cert Pediatric Nutrition) is a specialised qualification that provides learners with essential knowledge of child nutrition, healthy feeding practices, and nutritional requirements during infancy, childhood, and adolescence. As awareness of the importance of early-life nutrition continues to grow, healthcare and nutrition sectors increasingly recognise the role of proper feeding and balanced nutrition in supporting healthy growth, development, and long-term wellbeing.
This course explores key areas of pediatric nutrition, including nutritional needs across different stages of childhood, infant and child feeding practices, growth and development, dietary planning, feeding challenges, and nutritional support strategies. Learners will develop an understanding of how nutrition influences physical development, cognitive function, immune health, and overall child wellbeing.
The qualification also examines current approaches to promoting healthy eating habits and addressing common nutritional concerns in children. By combining nutritional science with practical feeding knowledge, learners will gain industry-relevant expertise that supports informed decision-making within child health, nutrition, and wellbeing-focused environments.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Pediatric Nutrition and Feeding (Cert Pediatric Nutrition)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
24
GLH
120
Qualification #
LICQ2201028
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Pediatric Nutrition and Feeding (Cert Pediatric Nutrition), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201028-1 |
Principles of Pediatric Nutrition |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2201028-2 |
Feeding and Dietary Requirements |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2201028-3 |
Assessment of Nutritional Status |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2201028-4 |
Feeding Difficulties and Special Dietary Needs |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2201028-5 |
Supporting Families and Caregivers |
4 |
20 |
|
LICQ2201028-6 |
Evidence-Based Practice and Professional Development |
4 |
20 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Principles of Pediatric Nutrition
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Explain the role of nutrition in supporting physical and cognitive development in children
- Identify essential nutrients required at different stages of childhood
- Analyse the effects of undernutrition, overnutrition, and nutrient deficiencies on child health
- Discuss the relationship between diet, growth, and long-term health outcomes
Unit 2: Feeding and Dietary Requirements
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Describe age-appropriate feeding practices from infancy through adolescence
- Explain national and international dietary guidelines for children
- Identify common nutritional challenges and develop strategies to address them
- Plan balanced diets that meet the developmental needs of children
Unit 3: Assessment of Nutritional Status
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Apply methods to assess nutritional status in children, including growth charts and anthropometric measurements
- Interpret BMI, weight-for-age, and other indicators of nutritional health
- Identify early signs of malnutrition, nutrient deficiencies, and growth abnormalities
- Make evidence-based recommendations to improve child nutritional status
Unit 4: Feeding Difficulties and Special Dietary Needs
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Recognise common feeding difficulties and their potential causes in children
- Develop feeding strategies for children with allergies, intolerances, or chronic medical conditions
- Evaluate the impact of medical and developmental conditions on dietary intake
- Recommend safe and effective feeding interventions tailored to individual needs
Unit 5: Supporting Families and Caregivers
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Explain the role of caregivers in promoting healthy feeding and nutritional practices
- Provide guidance to families on practical strategies for healthy eating habits
- Communicate nutritional advice effectively using evidence-based approaches
- Support caregivers in addressing behavioural and cultural factors affecting child nutrition
Unit 6: Evidence-Based Practice and Professional Development
By the end of this unit, the learner will be able to:
- Apply evidence-based research to inform pediatric nutrition and feeding practices
- Reflect on ethical responsibilities and professional conduct in child nutrition care
- Plan for ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to enhance professional competence
- Critically evaluate current trends, guidelines, and best practices in pediatric nutrition
This qualification is ideal for:
- Individuals interested in developing knowledge of pediatric nutrition, child feeding practices, and healthy childhood development.
- Healthcare Support Workers seeking to enhance their understanding of nutrition and feeding requirements for infants, children, and adolescents.
- Childcare Professionals working in nurseries, childcare centres, schools, or child development settings.
- Nutrition and Wellbeing Practitioners interested in expanding their knowledge of child nutrition and dietary support.
- Individuals involved in promoting healthy eating habits and nutritional wellbeing among children.
- Professionals working in community health, family support, or child-focused wellbeing services.
- Personnel responsible for supporting feeding routines, nutritional planning, and child health initiatives.
- Those interested in understanding childhood growth, development, nutritional needs, and common feeding challenges.
- Learners planning to progress to advanced studies in nutrition, child health, dietetics, or public health.
- Individuals seeking a recognised qualification to support career development within child nutrition, healthcare, and wellbeing sectors.
This certificate provides a strong foundation in pediatric nutrition, feeding practices, growth and development, and child wellbeing, supporting professional growth within nutrition, healthcare, and child-focused support environments.
To ensure high-quality delivery and learner success, centres offering this qualification must:
- Employ qualified and experienced staff with expertise in nutraceuticals, functional foods, nutrition, or related health sciences
- Provide access to up-to-date learning materials and resources, including textbooks, online resources, and practical guides
- Ensure learners have access to practical facilities or laboratory equipment where applicable, for hands-on learning and skills development
- Implement robust systems for assessment, feedback, and learner support to monitor progress and achievement
- Maintain an environment that promotes professional and ethical practice in line with industry standards
- Facilitate Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities for both staff and learners to stay current with scientific and industry advancements
- Adhere to health, safety, and regulatory requirements relevant to the delivery of courses in nutraceuticals and functional foods
Assessment and Verification
All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.
Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.