Early Years

HND Childhood Practice course is suitable if you hold a practitioner qualification as specified by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).

This course will support you to reflect, further develop your practice, strengthen your research, and study skills and progress your career prospects in the ELC by studying at a more advanced level.

You will develop your understanding of the key concepts related to Early Learning and Childcare and everyday practice. This will support you in keeping up to date with Scotland’s vision for children and families with the major legislative, policy and guidance in ELC. Through a combination of theoretical, practical, and experiential learning, you will develop a deep understanding of the needs of young children and the principles and practices of early learning and childcare.

There is a placement element within this course, however existing employment in Early Years can be considered for this if agreed by your employer.

To study of this course, you’ll need:

• HNC Childhood Practice at SCQF level 7 or SVQ Social Services: Children and Young People at level 3
• 120 SCQF credits (completion of additional units may be required during the course)
• working in or have access to a placement in the ELC sector (we can support accessing a placement if required)
• satisfactory Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check/Enhanced Disclosure Scotland application
• successful interview showcasing qualifications, employment experience, and a PVG certificate

The course will be delivered through a combination of lectures, group work, projects, and practical activities. A focus will be on developing and applying the knowledge and skills to your practice. Assessments will include a range of methods, including written assignments, reports, pedagogical journals, practical assessments, and presentations.

The course has a mandatory work placement element to evidence your competency, but this can be existing employment if it is within an Early Learning and Childcare environment and if you employer has agreed to support this.

Some of the units that you will study include:

• Enhanced professional practice
• Leadership and team working
• Integrated and collaborative working
• Pedagogical approaches
• Mandatory SVQ level 4 units

Upon completion, you may have the opportunity to:

• further studies to the BA Childhood Practice or BA Childhood Studies (both at SCQF level 9)
• the BA Childhood Practice is the recognised SSSC registration requirement for Leads/Seniors and Managers/Heads

By choosing HND Childhood Practice, you may:

• further develop your professional knowledge and understanding
• elevate your career prospects
• develop versatile cognitive skills
• access diverse teaching methods, including lectures, group work, projects, and practical activities
• enhance your research skills