Introduction to Childhood Practice (SCQF 4)

Course overview

The Introduction to Childhood Practice course is designed to prepare students for learning and to develop the skills needed for working with children and young people or further study in Childhood Practice. 

Alongside studying towards the Skills for Work, Early Learning and Childcare National 4 Group Award and a Steps to Work employability award, you will also develop a range of Meta-skills relating to Childhood Practice and study a range of micro-topics based around Sustainability, which will support your personal and professional development now and in your future career.

The course also includes the key Core skills of Communications at SCQF 4. This skill is essential to support children and young people's learning and development.

This SCQF Level 4 course is for those who have not achieved qualifications or are returning to learning.

Previous experience will be considered, and childcare work experience is desirable but not mandatory.

Selection for the course will be based on a one-to-one meeting and your personal statement.

To help prepare you for your course and share further information, we have created a Level 4 online notice board. This will be regularly updated until the course starts in August.

What you will learn

• Candidates who successfully achieve this course will be awarded the Early Learning and Childcare SQA Group Award at SCQF Level 4 (C78274)
• National 4 Communication

SCQF Level 4 (National 4) Units include:

• Play in Early Learning and Childcare
• Working in Early Learning and Childcare
• Care of Children
• Child Development

You will also study:

• Personal Development
• Sustainability
• Meta-skills

Placement information

• There is no work placement in this course. You will not complete a Protecting Vulnerable Groups Disclosure check.
• Placements are mandatory for our SSSC registerable, full-time Childhood Practice courses at SCQF 5, 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 the 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

• This course will be assessed by a range 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

• 16 hours of class contact per week. This will usually be 2.5 days per week.
• Days and hours will be confirmed as soon as available (see Padlet).
• We recommend an additional 2 hours of self-study per week.
• We will make every effort to provide your chosen course at your chosen campus, but please be aware that this is subject to the course being viable.

Entry requirements

• Selection is based on your Personal Statement and one to one meeting.
• There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Writing a personal statement

Your personal statement is an important part of your application and helps 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:

• Reasons for applying for this course. Why does it interest you? Why are you suitable for this course?
• 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 uses appropriate language. It is a good idea to ask someone to proofread the statement before sending it.

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

• We will have a short individual meeting.
• We will discuss the course content, your motivation and enthusiasm for working with children, any experience you have, and any support you might need.
• It will be an ideal time to ask questions to help you decide if you can enthusiastically commit to the course.

English Proficiency Requirements

To give our students the best opportunity to succeed in this course, applicants for whom English is an additional language must provide an English language certificate at IELTS Level 5.5 or equivalent.Alternatively, additional language applicants will be required to undertake an English Language Assessment at 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.  

Progression and Articulation Routes

• Preparation for a career in Childhood Practice (SCQF 5)
• Suitability for progression will be determined by achievement, attendance record, conduct and a successful progression discussion.

Career options

• Early Learning and Childcare is recognised as one of the main employment growth areas in Scotland, both currently and in the future.
• You can find more information about careers in childcare on the Childcare Careers Scotland website and the Early Learning and Childcare website.