Get Ready for an Exciting Career in Childcare
Working in early years and childcare is hugely rewarding as you will get the opportunity to support the development of the next generation and guide them towards a bright future. Read our blog to find out everything you need to know about our childcare courses and working in the sector.
What childcare courses can I study?
At Edinburgh College, we offer a range of courses in Childhood Practice, from entry-level right up to professional courses. Whether you’re leaving school, have some experience working with children and young people, or are already employed in the sector and looking to step up, there will be a course that is right for you at Edinburgh College.
Visit the Childhood Practice section of our website to find a childcare course that is right for you.
What study options are there?
We offer different study options so you can fit your course around your lifestyle. Our HNC Childhood Practice can be studied full-time, part-time or as an evening class.
Is now a good time to get into childcare?
The Scottish Government announced an expansion to funded early learning and childcare for families in Scotland. From August 2020, 1140 free hours will be provided to children aged between 3 – 4 in Scotland. This expansion means that there will be more childcare jobs available, so it’s a great time to get into childcare.
What skills do I need to study and work in childcare?
The good news is that you probably have a lot of relevant skills and experience already! If you’re a parent yourself or have had experience working with children and young people through work, volunteering, or family commitments, you will have a lot of the skills needed to be successful at college and in the workplace.
Communication, leadership and adaptability are all great skills to have and develop when planning a career in the childcare sector. You will also need to be caring, compassionate and creative to engage with and encourage children to reach their potential.
What can I do once I’ve completed my course?
After your course you can either move on to further study at Edinburgh College or go directly into employment within nurseries, playgroups, after school clubs and other play schemes.
Our professional courses, Childhood Practice PDA Level 8 and Childhood Practice PDA Level 9, are perfect if you already work in a childcare setting and would like to progress to a lead practitioner or manager, or go on to postgraduate study.
What does a job in childcare look like?
As you might imagine, a job in childcare is very varied and no two days will be the same. You might be building dens, playing outdoors, planning creative activities, and speaking to parents and guardians about their child’s progress. Central to all this will be ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children.
I think studying Childhood Practice is a great fit for me, what next?
Go to the Childhood Practice section of our website to learn more about our courses and start an application.
