Childhood Practice NC (SCQF 6)

Course overview

This National Certificate (NC) Childhood Practice is the recognised qualification for Support worker level, working with children in various settings.

It provides a comprehensive course on a range of topics, both theory and work practice-related, that will aid you in developing and enhancing the knowledge, skills, values and competencies for those wishing to work with, or already working with, children and young people in a childhood practice setting.

On completion of this course, you will have opportunities to progress to other areas of study, eg. HNC Childhood practice, or employment at the Support worker level within a childhood practice and childcare setting.

Applicants should have qualifications at SCQF Level 5 or above and/or be progressing from our Childhood Practice Level 5 course or School College Partnership National 5 course.

Students studying these courses are required to have an acceptable PVG Disclosure check. (Completed by Edinburgh College once place on the course is confirmed). The Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme

On meeting the entry requirements, we will arrange an individual induction meeting (online or on campus) to discuss the course, and placement requirements 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.

Pre-course Induction: Childhood Practice NC SCQF Level

What you will learn

Candidates who successfully achieve this course will be awarded the SQA NC Certificate in Childhood Practice at SCQF Level 6.

Units include:

• Planning for Practice
• Planning for Practice: workplace experience
• Providing an Inclusive Curriculum in a Childhood Practice Setting
• Protecting and Promoting the Rights of the Child
• Sociology of Childhood
• Child Development
• Child Development: Theory
• Services for Children and Young People
• Problem-Solving
• Communication

Placement information

• This course has a mandatory workplace that must be achieved in a childcare setting. Placement will be for approximately 30 days throughout the course
• Placement will be one day a week with three weeks of block placements when you attend placement instead of college classes
• Students studying these courses are required to have an acceptable PVG Disclosure check. (Completed by Edinburgh College)

How the course is assessed

• You will be continually assessed through a range of assessments in College, including implementing play experiences and undertaking observations of children during your work placement experience.

Number of days per week

• Twelve hours of class contact per week
• This is normally delivered over two days per week
• One full day at work placement (three days in total)
• Monday and Wednesday in college, Tuesday on placement
• We recommend at least an additional four hours per week of self-study

Entry requirements

• A minimum of three units at SCQF Level 5 or above (or equivalent) including English or Communication
• Applicants should hold qualifications or have experience that demonstrates their ability in basic research, basic report writing and writing basic compositions 
• Applicants must be aged 16 or over by October 2024 so they can apply for an adult PVG, attend placement and meet workplacement requirements.
• Ideally, applicants should have some experience working with children – please detail this experience in your personal statement 
• If you do not meet the formal entry requirements but are a mature applicant with significant experience working with children you are welcome to apply and we will assess this on an individual basis. Please detail this experience in your 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

On meeting the entry requirements, we will arrange an individual induction meeting (online or in campus) to discuss the course and placement requirements and 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 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

• HNC Childhood Practice SCQF Level 7 Part-time or Full-time, SVQ Level 3 SSCYP
• Suitability for progression onto further study will be determined by achievement, a good attendance record, and good conduct and you will require a successful progression discussion with your Study Coach 

Career options

• This qualification allows you to register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) as a Support worker
• This will enable you to work in a variety of settings including a private nursery, out-of-school care, playgroup, crèche and school