Early Learning and Childcare National 5 (SCP), East Lothian Schools

Course overview

This course is for senior-phase school pupils attending schools in East Lothian only. Recruitment will be completed in partnership with East Lothian Works - please do not apply directly, suitable applicants will be supplied a link.

This Level 5 course provides an excellent introduction to working with children and young people and supports further study in this exciting and fast-growing sector. 

The course will cover child development, wellbeing, play, children's rights and employability skills related to current practice in working with children and young people.

The classes will be dynamic and engaging, blending practical experiences with reflective written tasks.
Students can achieve the SCQF Level 5 SQA Group Award, Early Learning and Childcare National 5: Skills for Work C783 75

This course is an ideal progression route to a Foundation Apprenticeship, a Modern Apprenticeship, or to full-time Level 6 courses such as NC Childhood Practice or PDA ESA Classroom Assistants at Edinburgh College.

For further information, contact Duncan Munro at duncan.munro@edinburghcollege.ac.uk

What you will learn

• Development and Wellbeing of Children and Young People (HC3C 45)
• Play in Early Learning and Childcare (HX1R 75)
• Working in Early Learning and Childcare (HX1V 75)
• Children and Young People: Rights and Protection (HC38 45)

Placement information

• There is no work placement in this course.
• You will not complete a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) disclosure check.

Before considering working with children as a career, please consider:

• Placements are mandatory for our SSSC registrable, full-time Childhood Practice courses at SCQF 6 and 7, and these courses require a PVG Disclosure check. 
• When considering studying or working in this sector, please consider the PVG scheme. This scheme helps to protect children and adults within our sector; therefore, we require a clear PVG to enable you to proceed with an application for a course.  If you have any questions regarding this, please get in contact to discuss. 

How the course is assessed

• Continual Assessment using a variety of methods.
• You will be assessed continually throughout the course.
• You will build folios of work, write reports, record learning experiences and reflect on your learning.

Number of days per week

• This course is delivered on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1.30 PM - 4.00 PM
• This course will be delivered at Musselburgh East Community Learning Centre

Entry requirements

• Recruitment will be completed in partnership with East Lothian Works - please do not apply directly, you will be supplied a link.
• Demand for places on this course is high, with limited spaces available. You should have achieved or be working towards National 5 English or Communications in the academic year 2026/27.
• Selection will be based on the applicant's personal statement. 
• Applicants should be enthusiastic and committed to working with children.
• Applicants should be committed to completing the course and the full 2026/27 session at school (ie, this course is not suitable for Christmas leavers)
• Applicants should not apply if studying Skills for Work Childcare Group Award C78375 or included units at school in 2026/27

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

• Places are limited for these courses, with selection based on a personal statement.

Writing a personal statement

Your personal statement is an important part of your application and can help 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 fully, please include the following:

• Current or pending qualifications in English.
• Details of any relevant qualifications that you have to meet the course entry requirements
• Reasons for applying for this course. Why does it interest you? Why are you suitable for this course?
• Details of any work or life 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 is a good idea to ask someone to proofread the statement before sending it.

English Proficiency Requirements

To enable our students to have the best opportunity to achieve this course, applicants for whom English is an additional language require an existing English language certificate at IELTS Level 5.5 or equivalent. 

Progression and Articulation Routes

• Completion of this course will guarantee progression onto a full-time Childhood Practice SCQF Level 6 course at Edinburgh College.
• Students can progress to the SCP Higher Childcare and Development course at Edinburgh College. 
• This course is also an ideal progression route to a Foundation or Modern Apprenticeship (SSCYP).

Progression to the SCP course:

• Higher Childcare and Development

Progression to full-time college:

• NC in Early Education and Childcare
• PDA Education Support Assistance

Career options

This course is designed for you to progress onto further study and, in itself, will not lead to direct employment in a Childcare setting.

Courses and qualifications that lead to SSSC registration and employment opportunities at Edinburgh College are:

• NC Childhood Practice (SCQF level 6) 
• PDA Education Support Assistance (SCQF 6)
• HNC Childhood Practice (SCQF Level 7)