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HNC Childhood Practice (Year 1) Evening

  • Qualifications Higher National Qualifications
  • SCQF Level SCQF Level 7
  • Study mode Evenings only and Weekends
  • Campus Kilmarnock
  • Start date September 2025
More information

Attendance/Duration

This course runs every Thursday evening from 6.00pm-9.00pm

Overview

Have you ever thought of working in childcare but don’t know where to start?

If you have a passion for working 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 comprehensive 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.

To achieve your HNC Childhood Practice Award you will be required to achieve Year one and Year two of our evening course.

HNC Childhood Practice is a nationally recognised professional qualification and when you have achieved 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. 

Entry Requirements

For entry to 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 and attend an interview with us
  • To provide a satisfactory reference

If you do not meet the entry requirements for this course you may be offered an alternative course with us.

Course Content

Our course offers an integrated, inclusive and comprehensive delivery that includes a hands-on placement element within an early years establishment. This placement is a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience as well as supporting understanding of professional requirements.

Please note that you will be required to commit to attending placement at least one day a week

We will support you in developing an understanding of the principles, values and essential skills that underpin practitioners’ everyday practice, along with knowledge and understanding of current initiatives and strategies within the early years sector.

We explore legislation, policies and frameworks, theoretical concepts and the vital 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.

We explore:

  • Leadership
  • Health, Wellbeing and Safeguarding
  • Children’s Rights and Provision
  • Support for Play, Learning and Development
  • Contemporary issues for children and their families

Lessons are delivered through blended learning opportunities which means some classes are face to face in class and some classes are delivered online to support developing your knowledge and understanding of how to support children’s learning and development.

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

Careers and Further Study

If you chose to continue your studies, you can apply for:

  • HNC Childhood Practice (Evening Year 2) – Level 7 

Cost

£660.

For details of funding options and/or instalment plans please speak to our Finance Team on 01563 537871 or email: coursefees@ayrshire.ac.uk.

You can also visit https://www1.ayrshire.ac.uk/courses/tuition-fees for information.