Preparation for a career in Childhood Practice (SCQF Level 5)

Course overview

The Preparation for a Career in Childhood Practice course is an engaging and interactive course designed to prepare students 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 5 Group Award and Supporting Children with Additional Support Needs (ASN), you will also develop a range of Meta-skills relating to Childhood Practice and study a range of micro-topics that will support your personal and professional development now and in your future career.

The course also includes the key Core skill, Communications (SCQF 5). This unit is essential for developing your writing skills and communication methods, and for supporting children and young people's literacy development.

Previous experience will be considered, and work experience in a childcare setting 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 5 online notice board. This will be regularly updated until the course starts in August.

If you have any questions about this course, please get in touch with duncan.munro@edinburghcollege.ac.uk.

What you will learn

• Students who successfully achieve this course will be awarded the Early Learning and Childcare SQA Group Award at SCQF Level 5 (C783 75).
• Supporting children with ASN, SQA unit
• National 5 Communication, SQA unit

SCQF Level 5 (National 5) Units include:

• Play in Early Learning and Childcare
• Working in Early Learning and Childcare
• Children and Young People: Rights and Protection
• Development and Wellbeing of Children and Young People
• Supporting children with Additional Support Needs

You will also study:

• A specially designed set of Edinburgh College units on Meta-skills

Placement information

• There will be a short block work placement on this course in the second semester.
• You will be required to complete a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Disclosure check.
• The PVG scheme helps to protect children and adults within our sector; therefore, we require a clear PVG to enable you to attend a placement.  If you have any questions regarding this, please get in contact to discuss. 

How the course is assessed

• 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 full days and a shorter day per week, on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
• We recommend that you set aside an additional 2 hours per week for self-study.
• We will make every effort to provide your chosen course at your chosen campus.

Entry requirements

• English or Communication plus two other subjects at National 4 (or equivalent). 
• A relevant National 4 full-time course, including Childhood Practice Level 4, Routes into Care and Childhood Practice or a part-time course including Skills For Work, Early Learning and Childcare National 4.
• If you do not have the formal entry requirements but have experience working with children, you will also be considered: please detail this in your Personal Statement
• Spaces are limited, with selection based on your Personal Statement and meeting. 

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?
• 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?

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

As part of the recruitment process, we will have a short one-to-one meeting. 

During this time, we’ll discuss the course content, your motivation and enthusiasm for working with children, any experience you have, and any support you might need. It’s also the perfect time to ask questions and make sure you feel confident and excited about committing to the course. 

When applying for the course, it’s important to reflect on whether you are ready to study and work in a Childcare Practice setting.

Ask yourself: 

• Can I learn in a busy, active, and sometimes noisy environment? 
• Am I flexible and able to adapt to changing needs and circumstances? 
• Am I developing good communication skills to work effectively with both adults and children? 
• Am I able to commit 2 hours per week, in addition to all my college classes, to complete assessments and classwork?

Taking time to consider these questions will help you feel confident that this course is the right fit for you.

English Proficiency Requirements

Applicants for whom English is an additional language will require 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 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 5.5 or equivalent is required for the course. 

Progression and Articulation Routes

• NC Childhood Practice (SCQF 6)
• PDA ESA (Classroom Assistants) (SCQF 6) (Sighthill only)
• HNC Childhood Practice (SCQF 7)

Suitability for progression will be determined by achievement, attendance and conduct.

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.
• SDS publish a report predicting demand for jobs and employability needs: Sectoral Skills Assessment Childcare 2025