HNC Childhood Practice (NextGeneration) Practitioner Focus

Course overview

The next intake for this course is August 2027. Applications for this course open in January 2027.  If you would like more information or would like to be added to the waiting list, please contact Angie Thomson: angie.thomson@edinburghcollege.ac.uk  

HNC Childhood Practice (Next Generation), with a practitioner focus, is designed for those who are passionate about supporting the learning, development and wellbeing of children from birth to 5 years, or for those interested in working with children and young people up to the age of 12 in non-teaching roles. This nationally recognised qualification will help you develop the knowledge, skills and values required to work in a range of early learning, childcare and out-of-school care settings, supporting children during the most important stages of their development.

Through a blend of classroom learning and practical experience, you will explore child development, play-based learning, child-centred practice, safeguarding, leadership and current policy. A strong emphasis is placed on understanding how young children learn and develop, on creating nurturing and inclusive environments, and on supporting children's well-being, communication, and early learning. The course helps you integrate knowledge and theory into practice, including the importance of the Health and Social Care Standards, Realising the Ambition, and the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) Codes of Practice.

This practitioner-focused course is ideal for applicants interested in a career within the Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) sector, including nurseries, family centres, outdoor learning settings and other services supporting children aged 0-5 years. It also provides an excellent pathway to further study within Childhood Practice, Childhood Studies and related degree programmes.

The SSSC accepts this qualification for registration as a practitioner in the social services sector, making it a valuable stepping stone towards a rewarding career supporting young children and their families.

Take your next step towards changing your life and the lives of children.

What you will learn

During the course, you will develop a broad understanding of childhood practice and gain practical skills that can be applied directly within professional settings. Topics include:

• Child development and children's rights
• Promoting health, wellbeing and safeguarding
• Supporting learning through play
• Working in partnership with families and professionals
• Contemporary childhood policy and practice
• Reflective practice and professional development
• Working with children and young people with additional support needs
• Leadership and teamwork within childhood practice settings
• Planning, implementing and evaluating learning experiences

You will build confidence in supporting children's learning and development while developing the professional values expected within the sector. We promote active learning, and you will participate in activities both in and out of the classroom.

Placement information

• Practice placement is an essential part of the HNC Childhood Practice. Students are required to complete a minimum of 60 days of assessed practice placement within an approved childhood practice setting. Placements provide the opportunity to apply classroom learning in a real-world environment while gaining valuable experience working alongside qualified practitioners.
• Students will be supported by both college staff and placement mentors throughout their placement experience and will undertake practice-based assessments to demonstrate their developing skills and competence.

How the course is assessed

Assessment is designed to reflect professional practice and allow you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a variety of ways. Assessment methods may include:

• Written assignments and reports
• Individual and group presentations
• Reflective accounts
• Professional discussions
• Case studies
• Practice placement observations
• Portfolio evidence

There are no final examinations. Assessment is continuous throughout the year and focuses on applying theory to practice.

Number of days per week

Full-time options: 

• Granton campus or Sighthill campus, two days per week
• You will also do two days per week on a work placement
• You will have one study day per week, with no requirement to attend college.

Please be aware that the course requires attendance over four full days each week. College days are from 9.00 AM to 4.30 PM, while placement days require 7.5 hours of attendance, with start times varying by setting.  If you have childcare, caring responsibilities, or other commitments, we encourage you to consider these carefully and ensure suitable arrangements are in place before accepting your place on the course.

Entry requirements

• A minimum of two Highers at grade C or above, one of which should be English.
• Or pass in a relevant NC at SCQF Level 6 (including Communication or Academic Study Skills units at SCQF 6) or PDA Education Support Assistant or SVQ Level 2 Children’s Care Learning and Development/Social Services Children and Young People. 
• Or a pass in the Foundation Apprenticeship  Social Services: Children and Young People, plus Higher English.
• Applicants should have experience working in early learning or childcare settings, either in a paid or voluntary role.
• Membership in the PVG scheme, administered by Disclosure and Protection Scotland, is required for this course.
• You should upload copies of your qualifications to demonstrate that you meet the entry requirements.

Writing a personal statement

Your personal statement is an integral part of your application, and it helps us determine if you are a suitable candidate for the course.

To make sure that you are giving us all the information we need to consider your application thoroughly, 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?

Ensure the statement is written clearly and uses appropriate language. It’s a good idea to ask someone to proofread the statement before sending it.  We would encourage you not to use AI when writing your personal statement. 

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

• Upon meeting the entry requirements, we will contact you to share the dates of our Information Sessions and Open Days and to arrange an individual induction meeting (online or on campus) to discuss the course and placement requirements and to answer any questions you may have. We look forward to meeting you. 

English Proficiency Requirements

To provide our students with the best opportunity to achieve this course, applicants for whom English is an additional language require an existing English language certificate at IELTS Level 6 or equivalent. Alternatively, additional language applicants must undertake an English Language Assessment at the 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 6 or equivalent is a course requirement.  If you would like any more information on this, please get in touch with angie.thomson@edinburghcollege.ac.uk

Progression and Articulation Routes

This course is intended to enable registration with the SSSC as a practitioner. 

Successful completion of the course could enable you to progress to;

• Edinburgh College PDA Level 8 Childhood Practice- Childhood Practice & SVQ Provision | Edinburgh College
• BA Primary Education- BA (Hons) Primary Education - 2027 entry | Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh. We are delighted to have an articulation agreement with Queen Margaret University for both the BA (Hons) in Primary Education and the BA (Hons) in Education. This means that, if you achieve merit or distinction, you can progress directly into Year 1 or Year 2 of these degree programmes.  If your grade is "achieved", you can still apply for first-year entry to the BA (Hons) Education with QMU.  An amazing opportunity to continue your learning journey and achieve your goals. 
• BA Education-BA (Hons) Education - 2027 entry | Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, BA (Hons) in Education is not recognised as a teaching qualification for registration with GTCS. It is a recognised route to a PGDE if students do not meet the English and Maths requirements for Primary Education.
• BA Childhood Practice- Edinburgh University-Childhood Practice BA (Ord) - Undergraduate programmes | The University of Edinburgh
• Students who have also achieved National 5 Biology and level 5 numeracy (or equivalent) are eligible to apply for the 3-year pre-registration Nursing programme (BN) at Edinburgh Napier University.
• BA (Hons) Child and Youth Studies, at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Career options

• From this course, you can apply to register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) as a practitioner and enter employment in nurseries, playgroups, after-school clubs, and other childhood practice settings.
• Working in childhood practice offers numerous opportunities for progression; each day can be different, full of variety and adventure.