Early Years

Early Years provision has changed significantly over the years. Today effective early learning and childcare experiences are recognised as playing a key role in future life chances and achievement. The current focus is very much on ‘meaningful play’ and how it can benefit a child’s physical, social and emotional, cognitive and language development.

At this level, there’s a significant amount of research and writing required, as you explore the childhood practice and theory relevant to the early learning and childcare sector.

This course includes the NPA Social Services (Children and Young People).

To study on this course, you’ll need:

• a real interest in children’s learning and development
• five relevant National 5s or equivalent (including English and ideally Maths/Numeracy) or relevant course at SCQF Level 5
• an interview with us
• eligible to be a member of the PVG scheme

If you don’t have formal qualifications but have relevant life experience and a clear understanding of the importance of the Early Years Practitioner role, we may consider you for a place, so please call us for a chat.

Throughout the course, you may:

• explore various types of play and create diverse play opportunities for children and young people
• reflect on your impact in providing age-appropriate experiences supporting learning and development
• explore child development principles, considering influences and circumstances affecting children and young people
• learn about the rights of the child and the adult's role in enhancing their well-being
• investigate child safeguarding, understanding legislation and policies in Scotland
• examine communication needs and strategies for active participation
• engage with guest speakers from diverse roles within the early years sector, gaining insights from practitioners and outdoor play specialists

After successful completion of this course, you may have the opportunity to move onto an HNC course such as:

• HNC Childhood Practice
• HNC Additional Support Need, or
• enhance your application for a Support Worker role in a range of early learning and childcare settings

After achieving an additional related HNC qualification, possible careers include:

• a breadth of Early Years Practitioner roles (age range 0-16)
• diverse roles working with children and families across the sector, including ASN support roles.

• gain practical skills and knowledge for working with children in early years settings
• develop confidence through community projects and initiatives like Peep and Bookbug
• access a network of industry professionals and specialists through guest speaker sessions
• adopt transferrable skills which will support your progression into the early year’s workforce
• contribute to meaningful play and positively impact children's physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and language development

This course offers a unique blend of theory and hands-on experience, preparing you for a fulfilling career in early learning and childcare.

Join us and take the first step towards a rewarding career in Early Learning and Childcare.