Childhood Practice with ESOL Level 5 (SCQF 5)

Course overview

This course is now full for 24/25

This SCQF Level 5 course is ideal for you if you are interested in a career working with children and young people and if your first language is not English. The course will allow you to improve your English language level alongside your understanding and experience of a range of key areas in Childhood Practice.

This course is designed to support progression to further study to become an Early Learning and Childcare practitioner or support worker.

Alongside studying for the Skills for Work Early Learning and Childcare National 5 Group Award you will also develop a range of Meta-skills, relating to Childhood Practice, that will support your personal and professional development now and in your future career.  

You will improve your ability to understand and produce spoken and written English by working towards the English for Speakers of Other Languages National 5 Award, focusing on everyday and work contexts and will focus on the vocabulary required to work in the Early Learning and Childcare sector.

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

Upon meeting 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 notice board. This will be regularly updated until the course starts in August.

Level 5 with ESOL 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, English for Speakers of Other Languages Award at SCQF Level 5 and National 5 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
• English for Speakers of Other Languages
• Numeracy (National 4)

Placement information

•  There is no placement or work experience on this course

How the course is assessed

• You will be assessed continually throughout the course using a wide range of methods in the Childhood Practice and Numeracy units
• In ESOL there will be regular assessment tasks throughout the course to monitor your progress, including National 5 coursework assessments, which test reading, writing, listening and speaking
• The Prelim exam in February will prepare you for the final exam in May 

Number of days per week

• 16 hours of class contact per week
• This is normally delivered over 3 or 4 days per week
• Days and hours are to be confirmed (see Padlet)
• We recommend that you will need an additional 3 hours per week of self-study

Entry requirements

• English as an additional Language
• If you have successfully achieved the National 4 ESOL SQA group award you may be eligible to progress to this Level 5 course
• English or Communication plus two other subjects at National 4 (or equivalent)
• If you have successfully achieved an Early Learning and Childcare National 4 full-time course, SCP Childhood Practice National 4 or other relevant courses you may be eligible to progress to this Level 5 course
• If you have successfully achieved the National 4 ESOL SQA group award you may be eligible to progress to this Level 5 course
• If you do not have the formal entry requirements but you have experience working with children you will also be considered: please detail this in your personal statement

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.

• Spaces are limited with selection based on your personal statement. We may follow this up with a short discussion either online or on campus
• Guidance on writing a personal statement will be available on the Padlet

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
• You will be invited for a test where your language level will be checked

 

English Proficiency Requirements

National 4 SQA group award or above or equivalentYou will be invited for a test where your language level will be checked

Progression and Articulation Routes

• NC Childhood Practice (SCQF 6)
• PDA Education Support Assistance (Classroom Assistants) (SCQF 6)
• HNC Childhood Practice (SCQF 7). Grade A in ESOL assessment
• 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 onto further study, working towards a career in Early Learning and Childcare