Higher Childcare and Development (SCP)

Course overview

This course is for S5 and S6 school pupils only while attending school.

The course is designed to support students with an interest in working with children or in pursuing a career in teaching. 

This course will involve practical, interactive, and engaging learning throughout.

The course is part of our School College Partnership (SCP) programme. 

We are planning on offering two delivery formats:

•  a blended approach with classes at our Sighthill campus on Tuesday afternoons and online on Thursday afternoons.
• a fully online course, on both afternoons.
• We will contact applicants to identify their choice. Based on interest, a decision will be made on whether and/or both options are available.

The course includes the following topics, applied to a case study child:

Child development

You will investigate child development from pre-birth to 16, develop an understanding of the holistic needs of children and young people and explore how these needs interrelate. You will evaluate methods for assessing children's development and have the opportunity to identify and analyse factors that influence it.

Child development: theory

You will develop an understanding of theories of development and analyse these concerning how they support working with children and young people.

Services for children and young people

You will explore current services and the role of professionals and others working in partnership to support the development of children and young people. You will also develop an understanding of how legislation, initiatives and strategies influence professional working relationships and current practice.

Completing this course will award you an SQA Higher in Childcare and Development (SCQF Level 6) C814 76.

What you will learn

The main aim of the course is to enable you to:

• Understand child development and the factors that influence it from pre-birth to 16 years.
• Understand theories of development and the way these are applied to working with children and young people.
• Develop an awareness of initiatives and/or strategies used to inform current childhood practice.
• Develop an awareness of current services for children and young people.
• Understand the roles and responsibilities of professionals and others in the development of children and young people.
• Develop skills in investigating, analysing, evaluating and presenting information.

Placement information

• There is NO WORK PLACEMENT in this course.
• You will not be required to complete a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) disclosure check.

Before deciding on a career working with children, 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, it requires 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

• The course will be assessed through both a project-based assessment and an external SQA exam.

Number of days per week

• The course will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1.30 PM to 4.00 PM.
• Format to be confirmed: Blended; The course will be on campus on Tuesdays and online (using Microsoft Teams) on Thursdays. Online: The course will be online using Teams on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• The start date will be confirmed and communicated to schools.

Entry requirements

• Applicants must be attending secondary school.
• Applicants must have achieved National 5 English.
• Applicants must have either achieved or be working towards Higher English in 2026/27
• Applicants should be committed to completing the course and the full 2026/27 session at school.
• Selection will be based on meeting entry requirements and the applicant's personal statement, which should be submitted as part of the application process.

Writing a personal statement

Your personal statement is an important part of your application and helps us 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 achieved or pending level of qualifications in English.
• Details of any other relevant qualifications that you have to meet the course entry requirements.
• Your reasons for applying for this course. Why does it interest you? Why are you suitable for this course?
• 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 uses appropriate language.

Progression and Articulation Routes

• Successful achievement of this course, with acceptable conduct and engagement, alongside Higher English (at C or above), will guarantee the offer of a place on a HNC Childhood Practice SCQF Level 7 course at Edinburgh College.
• Our HNC Childhood Practice courses currently have an articulation agreement with QMU for entry to Primary Education (BA).

Career options

• With further study, you could potentially become a Childcare Practitioner working in an Early learning and Childcare setting.
• An Education support assistant (classroom assistant in a primary, secondary or special school).
• Train to become a primary or secondary teacher.