Childhood Practice HNC (Next Generation) Primary Teaching Focus

Course overview

The next intake for this course is August 2027. Applications for this course open in January 2027.  If you would like more information or would like to be added to the waiting list, please contact Angie Thomson: angie.thomson@edinburghcollege.ac.uk  

The HNC Childhood Practice (Next Generation) with a Primary Teaching Focus is designed for those passionate about supporting children and young people to learn, develop, and achieve their full potential. This nationally recognised qualification will help you develop the knowledge, skills and values required to work effectively with children across early learning, childcare and primary education settings, while also providing a strong foundation for those considering progression towards Primary Teaching.

Through a blend of classroom learning and practical experience, you will explore child development, play and learning, child-centred practice, safeguarding, leadership and current educational policy. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding how children learn within primary education, supporting literacy, numeracy and wellbeing, and developing inclusive approaches that meet the needs of all learners. The course will help you integrate knowledge and theory into practice, including the importance of the Health and Social Care Standards, Curriculum for Excellence and the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) Codes of Practice.

The HNC Childhood Practice with Primary Teaching Focus is ideal for applicants interested in careers in early learning and childcare, educational support roles, and community-based childhood practice settings, as well as those wishing to progress to further study in Childhood Practice, Childhood Studies, or Primary Education-related pathways. The SSSC accepts this qualification for registration as a practitioner in the social services sector, and the course provides valuable experience and academic preparation for learners considering a future career in teaching.

Take your next step towards changing your life and the lives of children.

What you will learn

During the course, you will develop a strong understanding of children's learning and development in a primary education context, while gaining practical skills that can be applied directly in schools and other educational settings. Topics include:

• Child development, children's rights and inclusive practice
• Promoting health, wellbeing and safeguarding
• Supporting literacy, numeracy and communication skills
• Understanding how children learn through play and active learning approaches
• Curriculum for Excellence and contemporary educational practice
• Working in partnership with families, teachers and multi-agency professionals
• Supporting children and young people with additional support needs
• Reflective practice and professional development
• Planning, delivering and evaluating learning experiences
• Leadership, teamwork and professional values within educational settings

You will build confidence in supporting children's learning, development and wellbeing while developing the professional values expected within education and childhood practice. We promote active and engaging learning approaches, and you will participate in a range of practical activities both in and out of the classroom. The course provides valuable insight into learning and teaching within primary education and offers an excellent foundation for progression to Primary Teaching-related pathways and other children and young people's services.

Placement information

• Practice placement is an essential part of the HNC Childhood Practice. Students are required to complete a minimum of 60 days of assessed practice placement within an approved childhood practice setting. For the Primary Teaching Focus HNC, we aim to place you in a Primary School placement if possible.  Placements provide the opportunity to apply classroom learning in a real-world environment while gaining valuable experience working alongside qualified practitioners.
• Students will be supported by both college staff and placement mentors throughout their placement experience and will undertake practice-based assessments to demonstrate their developing skills and competence.

How the course is assessed

Assessment is designed to reflect professional practice and allow you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a variety of ways. Assessment methods may include:

• Written assignments and reports
• Individual and group presentations
• Reflective accounts
• Professional discussions
• Case studies
• Practice placement observations
• Portfolio evidence

There are no final examinations. Assessment is continuous throughout the year and focuses on applying theory to practice.

Number of days per week

• Sighthill campus two days per week
• You will also do two days of work placement per week
• One study day per week; no requirement to attend college.
• Please be aware that the course requires attendance over four full days each week. College days are from 9.00 AM to 4.30 PM, while placement days involve 7.5 hours of attendance, with start times depending on the individual setting.  If you have childcare, caring responsibilities, or other commitments, we encourage you to consider these carefully and ensure suitable arrangements are in place before accepting your place on the course.

Entry requirements

If you would like to apply for this course, please consider the PVG scheme (completed by Edinburgh College once your place on the course is confirmed). This scheme helps protect children and adults within our sector; we require a clear PVG to enable you to proceed with an application for this course.  If you have any questions regarding this, please contact us to discuss. 

• A minimum of two Highers at grade C or above, one of which should be English.  
• Or pass in a relevant NC at SCQF Level 6 (including Communication or Academic Study Skills units at SCQF 6) or PDA Education Support Assistant or SVQ Level 2 Children’s Care Learning and Development/Social Services Children and Young People.
• Or a pass in the Foundation Apprenticeship Social Services: Children and Young People, plus Higher English.
• Applicants should have experience working in early learning or childcare settings, either in a paid or voluntary role.
• Membership in the PVG scheme, as verified through Disclosure and Protection Scotland, is required for this course.
• You should upload copies of your qualifications to demonstrate that you meet the entry requirements.

Writing a Personal Statement

Your Personal Statement is an essential part of your application and helps us decide whether you are suitable for the course.

To make sure that you are giving us all the information we need to consider your application thoroughly, please include the following:

• Your reasons for applying for this course. Why does it interest you? Why are you suitable for this course?
• Details of any relevant qualifications that you have to meet the course entry requirements
• Information about any courses or training you have done that are relevant – this can include certificated training such as First Aid or CPD courses.
• Details of any work experience (paid or voluntary) that is relevant to the course
• Your future career plans – how will this course help you to reach your goals?

You should check that the statement is written clearly and uses appropriate language. It’s a good idea to ask someone to proofread the statement before sending it. We encourage you not to use AI when writing your personal statement. 

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

• Once you meet the entry requirements, we will contact you to share the dates for our Information Sessions and Open Days. We will also arrange an individual induction meeting (online or on campus) to discuss the course and placement requirements and to answer any questions you may have. We look forward to meeting you. 

English Proficiency Requirements

To enable our students the best opportunity of achieving this course, applicants for whom English is an additional language require an existing English language certificate at IELTS Level 6 or equivalent. Alternatively, additional language applicants will be required to undertake an English Language Assessment at College. There will be a cost of £20 for this test unless you are in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance, Working Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Disability Benefit or Income Support or if you are an asylum seeker or refugee.  English proficiency at IELTS Level 6 or equivalent is required for the course. If you would like any more information on this, please contact angie.thomson@edinburghcollege.ac.uk

Progression and Articulation Routes

This course is intended to enable registration with the SSSC as a practitioner. 

Successful completion of the course could enable you to progress to;

• Edinburgh College PDA Level 8 Childhood Practice- Childhood Practice & SVQ Provision | Edinburgh College
• BA Primary Education- BA (Hons) Primary Education - 2027 entry | Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh. We are delighted to have an articulation agreement with Queen Margaret University for both the BA (Hons) in Primary Education and the BA (Hons) in Education. This means that, if you achieve merit or distinction, you can progress directly into Year 1 or Year 2 of these degree programmes.  If your grade is "achieved", you can still apply for first-year entry to the BA (Hons) Education with QMU.  An amazing opportunity to continue your learning journey and achieve your goals. 
• BA Education-BA (Hons) Education - 2027 entry | Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, BA (Hons) in Education is not recognised as a teaching qualification for registration with GTCS. It is a recognised route to a PGDE if students do not meet the English and Maths requirements for Primary Education.
• BA Childhood Practice- Edinburgh University-Childhood Practice BA (Ord) - Undergraduate programmes | The University of Edinburgh
• Students who have also achieved National 5 Biology and level 5 numeracy (or equivalent) are eligible to apply for the 3-year pre-registration Nursing programme (BN) at Edinburgh Napier University.
• BA (Hons) Child and Youth Studies, at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Career options

• From this course, you can apply for registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) as a practitioner and enter employment in a variety of childhood practice settings: nurseries, schools, playgroups, after-school clubs, play schemes, and many more. 
• Working in childhood practice offers numerous opportunities for career progression; each day is different, full of adventure.