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Skills for Work - Early Education and Childcare

This course isn’t currently open for applications, but you can still register your interest.

  • Qualifications Skills for Work Programmes
  • SCQF Level SCQF Level 5
  • Study mode
  • Campus Kilmarnock, Kilwinning
  • Start date August 2026

Eligible schools

All East and North Ayrshire schools

This course is for school pupils only

Location/Day/Time

  • Kilmarnock Campus - Tuesday and Thursday 14:00-16:00.
  • Kilwinning Campus - Tuesday and Thursday 14:00-16:00.

Overview

The course is designed as an introduction to Early Learning and Childcare at Level 5 and gives you an understanding of the demands and responsibilities of working in the sector. It also provides suitable progression if you have studied the Level 4 Early Learning and Childcare course.

Course Content

SCQF level 5 Skills for Work:

Early Learning and Childcare is an introductory qualification that develops the skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed for working within the sector, including:

  • An understanding of the workplace and your responsibilities (e.g., timekeeping, appearance).
  • Self-evaluation skills.
  • Positive attitude to learning.
  • Flexible approaches to solving problems.
  • Adaptability and positive attitude to change.
  • Confidence to set goals, reflect and learn from experience.
  • Skills to become effective jobseekers and employees.

You will study four units, and these are:

  • Development and Wellbeing of Children and Young People.
  • Play in Early Learning and Childcare.
  • Working in Early Learning and Childcare.
  • Care and Feeding of Children.

To achieve the course award, you must successfully achieve all the units listed above.

Entry Requirements

You should have achieved 5 National 4 qualifications including English and have a real interest in Early Learning and Childcare and in learning new skills. You should also be committed to consistent and full attendance throughout the course. Selection for a place on this course is based on pupils meeting the above requirements, attending a face to face interview with a short group task and your personal statement, which will be used to assess your suitability for this course.

How will I be assessed?

The assessments used in this course will allow you to demonstrate a competence in key knowledge, skills and attitudes required in early education and childcare sector.

Assessment approaches will include closed book and project-based activities.

What should I expect?

The course is an excellent first step for those wishing to pursue a career in Early Learning and Childcare or progress to further study in a related field.

Careers and Further Study

This course may provide you with opportunities to progress to Early Learning and Childcare (SCQF level 6) or further full-time study within Early Learning and Childcare Level 5.