Childhood Practice Level 5 (SCQF 5)

Course overview

This course is now full for 24/25

The Childhood Practice Level 5 is an engaging and interactive course designed to prepare students for working with children and young people or further study in Childhood Practice. 

Alongside studying towards the Skills for Work, Early Learning and Childcare National 5 Group Award and Supporting Children with Additional Support Needs (ASN), you will also develop a range of Meta-skills relating to Childhood Practice and study a range of micro-topics, that will support your personal and professional development now and in your future career.

The course also includes the key Core skills of Communications (SCQF 5) and Numeracy (SCQF 4). These units are essential to successfully support children and young people's learning and development.

This SCQF Level 5 course is for those who have achieved academic qualifications, including English or Comms, at SCQF Level 4 or above.

Previous experience will be considered and work experience in a childcare setting is desirable but not mandatory.

To meet the entry requirements, we will arrange an individual induction meeting (online or on campus) to discuss the course and answer any questions you may have. We look forward to meeting you. 

To help prepare you for your course and share further information we have created an online Padlet notice board. This will be regularly updated until the course starts in August.

Childhood Practice Level 5 Pre-course Padlet

What you will learn

• Candidates who successfully achieve this course will be awarded the Early Learning and Childcare SQA Group Award at SCQF Level 5,
• National 5 Communication
• National 4 Numeracy

SCQF Level 5 (National 5) Units include:

• Play in Early Learning and Childcare
• Working in Early Learning and Childcare
• Children and Young People: Rights and Protection
• Development and Wellbeing of Children and Young People
• Supporting children with ASN

You will also study:

• Meta-skills

Placement information

• There is no placement or work experience on this course.

How the course is assessed

• This course will be assessed by a range of methods
• You will be assessed continually throughout the course
• You will build folios of work, write reports and reflect on your learning
• You will complete a closed-book assessment

Number of days per week

• 16 hours of class contact per week
• Days and hours will be confirmed as soon as available (see Padlet)
• We recommend that you will need an additional 2 hours per week of self-study
• We will make every effort to provide your chosen course at your chosen campus

Entry requirements

• English or Communication plus two other subjects at National 4 (or equivalent). 
• If you have successfully achieved a relevant National 4 full-time course including Routes into Care and Childhood Practice or SCP Childhood Practice National 4 you will be eligible to progress to this Level 5 course
• If you do not have the formal entry requirements but you have significant experience working with children you will also be considered: please detail this in your personal statement
• Spaces are limited, with selection based on your Personal Statement. We may follow this up with further discussion either online or on campus

Writing a personal statement

Your personal statement is an important part of your application and it can help us to decide if you are suitable for the course.

To make sure that you are giving us all the information we need to consider your application fully, 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 using appropriate language. It is a good idea to ask someone to proofread the statement before sending it.

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

• Spaces are limited with selection based on your Personal Statement
• We may follow this up with a short discussion either online or on campus

 

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 5.5 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 5.5 or equivalent is a course requirement.  If you would like any more information on this please contact Duncan.munro@edinburghcollege.ac.uk

Progression and Articulation Routes

• NC Childhood Practice (SCQF 6)
• PDA ESA (Classroom Assistants) (SCQF 6)
• HNC Childhood Practice (SCQF 7)
• Suitability for progression will be determined by achievement, attendance record, conduct and a successful progression discussion

Career options

• This course will prepare you for working with children and is designed to support progression on to further study, working towards a career in Early Learning and Childcare.