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Skills for Work - Early Education and Childcare - Level 4

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

  • Qualifications Skills for Work Programmes
  • SCQF Level SCQF Level 4
  • Study mode August 2026 Courses
  • Campus Kilmarnock
  • Start date August 2026

Eligible schools

East and North Ayrshire schools

This course is for school pupils only

Location/Day/Time

Kilmarnock Campus Tuesday and Thursday 14:00 - 16:00

Overview

SCQF level 4 Skills for Work: Early Learning and Childcare is an introductory qualification that will help you to understand some of the demands and responsibilities of working in the early learning and childcare sector. This is a great course if you enjoy the practical skills required to understand and care for young children but there is an element of theory-based learning too.

Course Content

At SCQF level 4, you will cover basic practice and begin to develop relevant skills such as team working and leadership skills, helping to plan play experiences and develop transferable employability skills, including: 

  • an understanding of the workplace and the employee's responsibilities (eg 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

At SCQF level 4, you work alone or with others on straightforward tasks with support.

Units studied:

  • Child Development
  • Working in Early Learning and Childcare
  • Play in Early Learning and Childcare
  • Maintenance of a Safe Environment

To achieve the course award, you must successfully achieve all the Units which make up the course.

Entry Requirements

You should have achieved or be working towards National 4 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, your personal statement and supporting information provided by school.  

A face-to-face group interview with a practical and written task will also be included.

How will I be assessed?

The assessments used in this course will allow you to show that you understand the ideas and theories and practical skills that you need to go further in the early education and childcare sector. Assessment approaches will include closed book tests and project-based activities.

Careers and Further Study

Successful completion of this course will provide a good foundation for progression into our school SCQF level 5 programmes in Early Learning & Childcare or further full-time study on Early Learning and Childcare Level 4/5