Introduction
This course enables you to develop and progress your career prospects in the childhood/early years sector by studying at a more advanced level. Successful attainment of your HND will then enable you to study courses at SCQF level 9. The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) require managers in the sector to obtain level 9 qualifications.
This course is year 2 of a full-time 2-year course. The first year requires you to have obtained your HNC Childhood Practice @SCQF level 7 or SVQ Social Services: Children and Young People @ level 3.
If you wish to attain the HND and you have not already obtained your HNC Childhood Practice qualification, please apply for the HNC Childhood Practice course first. Successful attainment will enable you to progress to HND Childhood Practice.
Course code
DCHP
Location
Dumfries Campus
Duration
Attendance:
If you have already attained your HNC Childhood Practice or equivalent qualification,
You will be required to attend full time for 1 year.
The delivery will be mainly online with potential for some on campus workshops and seminars. It will be delivered over a minimum of 2 days per week, with an additional work placement of 2 days per week and an extended block work placement if you are not already in employment within the sector.
Enquiries for part – time study are welcome.
Entry Requirements
To Year 2 of the programme:
- HNC Childhood Practice (96 SCQF credits) plus 24 SCQF credits at Level 7 or equivalent SVQ level 3
- Relevant childcare experience
- You must be 18 years of age when the course starts.
- Attendance at and successful performance during your interview session.
- A satisfactory Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check is also required to enable participation in placement.
Information and Interview Session Requirements
Your attendance at interview is essential. Your interview process will contain the following:
- Evidence of your qualifications, employment experience, interest in the sector demonstrated in your personal statement.
- Written Task
- Interview /discussion with a member(s) of staff.
- PVG eligibility
Your interview session may be face to face, on TEAMs or by phone.
Course Content
The HND in Childhood Practice aims to develop your abilities as a reflective practitioner, strengthen your research and study skills along with your knowledge and skills in childhood practice. It will enable you to keep up to date and current on the government’s aspirations for children and families in Scotland and that you understand the major changes in legislation policy and guidance for the sector.
This award has a mandatory work placement requirement to evidence competency. Some of the units that you will study in year two include
- Enhances Professional Practice
- Leadership and Team Working
- Integrated and Collaborative Working
- Pedagogical Approaches
Assessments
All elements of the course are assessed. A variety of approaches will be used throughout including academic essays, reflective accounts, group presentations, research project, direct observations.
Progression
You can progress to the BA Childhood Practice or BA Childhood Studies at SCQF level 9 and 10.
The BA Childhood Practice is the recognised SSSC registration requirement for Manager/Lead Practitioner
Career Prospects
Further study may lead to qualifications such as Manager/Lead practitioner in Early Learning and Childcare settings. It can also lead to further studies in Education.
Additional funding information
You should apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). Please visit their website: saas.gov.uk for further details for full and part-time study.
Selling Points
- Enhances career opportunities within the sector
- Enables entry to study level 9 and level 10 BA Childhood Studies and BA Childhood Practice qualifications