Childhood Practice & SVQ Provision
PDA Level 8 Childhood Practice
Campus
Granton Campus
Midlothian Campus
OL - Open Learning/Cross Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 8
Study mode
Open learning
Evening
Duration 41 weeks
Start date
Aug 2023
Choose your study options
Course enquiry form
Course overview
PDA Level 8 Childhood Practice is an evening course designed for people already working in the early education, childcare or playwork sectors who are interested in progressing with their careers. The course has a strong focus on leadership and professional practice and aims to improve your knowledge, understanding and skills. It will also develop your confidence in taking on a senior role within a Childhood Practice setting.
This course is also suitable for people who need to gain credits to progress onto the PDA Level 9 Childhood Practice course. Please note you may need to complete additional credits at SCQF 7 depending on the qualification you have at this level, contact us for advice.
The course will give you a deep understanding of professional practice in the early learning and childcare sector and how legislation policy and frameworks should be used effectively to ensure children and young people are supported and valued. The course considers pedagogical perspectives within Scotland and internationally to identify contemporary theoretical approaches that can be put into practice within your setting.
The course runs over two academic years and fees will be payable at the start of each year.
More information on our Padlet
What you will learn
- Professional Practice
- Legislation and Policy
- Pedagogy
- Developing Leadership
- Quality Assurance
- Collaborative Working
- Supporting colleagues
- Safeguarding responsibilities
Placement information
- You must be employed in the childhood practice sector during this course, with the opportunity to take on a leadership role.
How the course is assessed
- You will be continually assessed through a variety of methods including project work, essays, open-book assessments and presentations.
Number of days per week
- One evening per week (6.30 pm-8.30 pm) over two academic years
- Midlothian Campus - Tuesdays 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
- Granton Campus - Thursdays 6:30 pm-8:30 pm
- Sighthill Campus - Thursdays 6.30 pm-8.30 pm
- In addition to attending classes, students will be required to study for approximately three to four hours per week.
- Open learning - the course can be studied online, with the support of a lecturer (no fixed classes, working through online sessions in your own time).
Entry requirements
- You must have an award accepted by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) to register as a practitioner e.g. HNC Childhood Practice, SVQ 3 Social Science (Children and Young People) or SVQ 3 Playwork
- You should have a minimum of 6 months post-qualifying experience in a relevant job role in the childhood practice sector.
- Your personal statement should explain your interest in the course and include details of your current job role and qualifications to meet the entry requirements. Please upload evidence of your current practitioner qualification (SVQ 3 or HNC award).
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 6.0Progression and Articulation Routes
- Further study at SCQF Level 9
- PDA Level 9 Childhood Practice
- BA Childhood Practice
Career options
- Senior practitioner
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| OL - Open Learning/Cross Campus | Open learning | 28/08/23 | 41 Weeks |
| Granton Campus | Evening | 28/08/23 | 41 Weeks |
| Midlothian Campus | Evening | 28/08/23 | 41 Weeks |
