Childhood Practice & SVQ Provision
SVQ 4 Social Services Children and Young People
Campus Sighthill Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 9
Study mode Evening
Start date
Aug 2026
Course enquiry form
Course overview
This course is suitable if you work in a lead role supporting practitioners, such as a senior, supervisor or manager, in an early learning and childcare setting offering daycare for children or in a setting that supports children and young people with additional needs.
You should be involved in leading and supporting learning opportunities for the staff and children attending your setting. You will undertake a research project in an area of practice that you would like to improve and implement into your setting's operational plan to ensure you provide high-quality care. This course will also cover a wide range of relevant topics that will support you and help you take a lead role in your everyday practice.
This is a work-based qualification; you will be allocated an assessor who will work with you to gather evidence through your written work and your assessor's observations of practice, demonstrating your competencies against the National Occupational Standards.
The course runs over 18 months and includes a variety of learning opportunities, such as attending monthly classes at the college, tutorial sessions with assessors, online learning, and research.
The fee for this course is £1664, payable in two payments of £832 in Sept 2026 and Sept 2027. It's possible to use the SAAS part-time fee grant towards this if you meet the eligibility criteria. Part-time Funding Guide - SAAS.
Contact katie.kent2@edinburghcollege.ac.uk for more information.
What you will learn
Topics include -
- Provide leadership in your area of responsibility.
- Lead practices to promote safeguarding.
- Professional development of your own practice and others.
- Theoretical leadership skills and approaches.
- Implement Operational Plans.
- Different research methods.
- Legislation, curriculum, and assessment.
- Lead practice for health and safety.
- Model communication practices that promote child-centred care.
Placement information
- You should be employed in a senior role in a childhood practice setting with responsibility for leading and supporting a staff team. 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
One of the following qualifications -
- SVQ 3 Social Services Children and Young People
- SVQ 3 Playwork
- HNC Childhood Practice
Other awards that the SSSC accepts for registration as a practitioner in daycare services for children are also accepted. Please contact katie.kent2@edinburghcollege.ac.uk for advice.
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 relevant qualifications to meet the course entry requirements (please upload certificates).
- Information about any relevant courses or training you have completed may include certified training, such as First Aid or CPD courses.
- Details of any work experience (paid or voluntary) relevant to the course.
- 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 give our students 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.English proficiency at IELTS Level 5.5 or equivalent is a course entry requirement. If you would like more information, contact Katie Kent at katie.kent2@edinburghcollege.ac.uk.Progression and Articulation Routes
- This qualification is a good way to earn SCQF 8 credits for anyone planning to study at a higher level.
- The credits are accepted towards the PDA Level 9 Childhood Practice, and most universities will accept them towards the BA Childhood Practice.
Career options
- Manager or deputy manager in a childhood practice setting.
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Sighthill Campus | Evening | 31/08/26 |
