ESOL for Access to Childhood Practice

Course overview

Applications will open on 8 April 2026.

Edinburgh College is one of Scotland's largest year-round providers of English Language courses. All our College-based ESOL courses are accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English.

This course will teach the language skills needed for further study in Childhood Practice. You will complete the SQA National 5 ESOL syllabus to develop general language skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing, and work on your grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary. 

You will improve your ability to understand and produce spoken and written English in everyday and work contexts, and will focus on the vocabulary required to talk about childcare. You will be introduced to specialisms, professional values, and principles when working in the childcare sector. You will develop workplace language and employability skills during a 2-week placement. 

This course is bursary-funded, so you will not have to pay course fees, and you may be eligible for other bursary funding. You will be expected to buy the course materials as specified by your tutor (approximately £45). Please note that these courses are for applicants whose first language is not English.

The ESOL Course Fees page provides more information about ESOL course costs. 

The average class size is 18 – 20, with a maximum of 23. You must be 16 or older to take ESOL courses in college.

Support for students aged 16 and 17

• All 16 and 17-year-olds are given a 24-hour emergency number.
• Information on ‘Keeping yourself safe in Edinburgh’ is provided at induction. A tutorial system is in place for students to discuss progress or any problems with their teacher.
• Students are supervised in class, on class trips/activities, and during work placements.
• Parental consent is required for class trips and work placements. Outside these hours, there is no supervision of 16 and 17-year-olds

You will focus on developing the language skills you need for life and work in the UK with a particular focus on work in the childcare sector and you will develop general language skills for speaking, writing, listening, and reading. You will work on grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation and improve all your language skills. You will also learn about the Scottish childcare context and develop terminology used to talk about childhood practice to improve your chances of changing your job, progressing in your career, or gaining a place on the course you want.

The syllabus will consist of the topics, language points and exam strategies to help you to prepare for the SQA National 5 exam.

Edinburgh College Units

• Language Learning Objectives level 5

• Tutorial

• Self-directed study

• Sustainability in Childhood Practice Level 5

• Introduction to Meta-skills in Childhood Practice Level 5

SQA Units

• National 5 ESOL Exam

• Work Placement level 4

• Development and Wellbeing of Children and Young People

• Play in Early Learning and Childcare

• Working in Early Learning and Childcare

• Children and Young People: Rights and Protection

Placement information

• You will do a six-day work placement in the childhood practice sector to gain essential hands-on experience in this workplace.

How the course is assessed

• This is a bursary course, and you are expected to attend 100% of the course 
• There will be regular assessment tasks throughout the course to monitor your progress in the areas of ESOL 
• The Prelim exam in February will prepare you for the final ESOL National 5 exam in May 
• You will also complete evidence in portfolio or presentation form for the Work Placement unit 

Number of days per week

• 3 days per week (16 hours)

Entry requirements

• You should have a clear idea of your future study or work plans
• International students (students from outside the UK without settled or pre-settled status, excluding asylum seekers, refugees and Humanitarian Protection Status) will need to check visa requirements. Please go to the International section of the website.

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

• You will be invited to attend a test and interview where your language level and suitability for the course will be checked.

English Proficiency Requirements

Progression and Articulation Routes

• Progress to mainstream college courses at NC or HNC 
• NQ English Plus Higher 

Career options

• Further training or work in the Childhood Practice sector.