Childhood Practice & SVQ Provision
SVQ 3 Social Services Children and Young People
Campus Sighthill Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 7
Study mode Evening
Start date
Aug 2026
Course enquiry form
Course overview
This course is suitable for those working in an early learning or childcare setting that offers daycare for children. It is also ideal for anyone working in a setting that supports children and young people with additional needs. Upon completing the course, you will be eligible to register with the SSSC as a practitioner.
You should be involved in planning and providing a range of play and learning opportunities for the children attending your setting. You will work as part of a team to ensure children’s needs are met in a safe and stimulating environment. The course will cover a wide range of relevant topics that are part of your everyday practice.
This is a work-based qualification; you will be allocated an assessor who will work with you to gather evidence demonstrating you meet the required standards.
The course will span 12 months and encompass a range of learning opportunities, including monthly classes at college, tutorial sessions with assessors, online learning, and research.
The fee for this course is £1376, and you can use the SAAS part-time fee grant towards it if you meet the eligibility criteria. Part-time Funding Guide - SAAS
Contact katie.kent2@edinburghcollege.ac.uk for more information.
What you will learn
- Theoretical approaches to play, development and learning
- Safeguarding
- Observation of children and young people
- Legislation, curriculum and assessment
- Child development
- Providing play opportunities
- Creating play spaces
- Safe working practices
- Being a reflective practitioner
Placement information
- Applicants should be employed in a suitable setting where they work with children and young people. Please give details of this in your personal statement.
How the course is assessed
- The course is assessed holistically by reflective accounts, observations, tasks and questions.
- You will be assigned an assessor who will visit your workplace to undertake observations of your practice.
Number of days per week
- One 2-hour class per month at Sighthill campus on a Thursday from 7.00 PM to 9.00 PM.
- Regular 1-1 meetings with your workplace assessor, at your workplace, at a college campus or online.
Entry requirements
- SVQ level 2 Social Services Children and Young People, NC Early Education and Childcare or equivalent.
- You must be working within an early learning or childcare setting.
- Please get in touch with katie.kent2@edinburghcollege.ac.uk if you have any questions about entry requirements.
Writing a personal statement
Your Personal Statement is an important part of your application, and it can help 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:
- 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.
- Where do you currently work? (e.g. name of nursery, school, out-of-school care, childminder, ASN setting)
- What is your job title or role?
- Why do you feel this SVQ level is right for you at this stage?
English Proficiency Requirements
To provide our students with the best opportunity to succeed in this course, applicants for whom English is an additional language require an English language certificate at IELTS Level 5.5 or equivalent. Alternatively, applicants from non-English-speaking countries 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. English proficiency at IELTS Level 5.5 or equivalent is a course requirement. If you would like any more information, contact katie.kent2@edinburghcollege.ac.ukProgression and Articulation Routes
- SVQ 4 Social Services Children and Young People if you are in a senior post
- PDA Level 8 Childhood Practice
Career options
- Early Years Practitioner
- Play Practitioner
- Registration with the SSSC as a practitioner
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Sighthill Campus | Evening | 31/08/26 |
