Early Years

If you would like to work with children and aspire to positively impact their early years, our HNC Childhood Practice is the ideal course for you. This course will provide you with a solid understanding of working with children and their families. It will support you in developing the required knowledge, theory and skills aligning with Scottish Social Services Codes of Practice and Health and Social Care Standards.

HNC Childhood Practice is a nationally recognised professional qualification. If you achieve this qualification, you will be eligible for registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) as a Practitioner, which is an essential requirement for a variety of roles within the Early Years sector.

To study on this course, you’ll need:

• a real interest in supporting children’s learning and development
• minimum of two Highers, one of which must be English at a grade C or above, and National 5 Maths or successful completion of a SCQF level 6 course in a related subject
• significant experience of working with children in a voluntary or paid capacity
• to be eligible to register with the PVG scheme
• to provide an excellent personal statement
• attend an interview with us
• to provide a satisfactory reference

Places on this course may be limited due to the number of internal students progressing to the next level of study. If you do not meet the entry requirements for this course, you may be offered an alternative course with us.

We explore:

• leadership
• health, wellbeing and safeguarding
• children’s rights and provision
• support for play, learning and levelopment
• contemporary issues for children and their families

Lessons are delivered face to face in class to support developing your knowledge and understanding of how to support children’s learning and development. This includes Forest Kindergarten sessions in the local community such as Dean Castle and Country Park and Eglington Park.

Assessments are essay/reports, a placement folio, and a pedagogical journal

If you chose to continue your studies after completion of this course, you can apply for:

• HND Childhood Practice – Level 8
• PDA Childhood Practice – Level 8
• BA Childhood Practice - Level 9

There are various career opportunities available with this qualification such as working as a Practitioner, Family Support Officer, Out of School Care (before/after schools and holiday clubs), Childminding and working in residential establishments.

This course includes a placement element within an early years establishment. The placement is a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience as well as supporting understanding of professional requirements.

We will support you in developing an understanding of the principles, values, and essential skills that practitioners require for everyday practice. You will also gain a knowledge and understanding of current initiatives and strategies within the early years sector. The course helps to ensure you have up to date and relevant experience such as Forest Kindergarten.

You will also explore legislation, policies and frameworks, theoretical concepts and the role and responsibilities of a practitioner. Through topics such as the vital role of play in children’s development, holistic development, wellbeing and safeguarding as well as modern family issues, collaboration, and ethical dilemmas.