Childhood Practice HNC @ SCQF Level 7

Introduction

This programme is a nationally recognised qualification for people who want to work in a variety of early learning and childcare settings, supporting children and young people with varying needs.

Effective early learning and childcare experiences are now known to have significant influences towards positive outcomes and future life chances for all children.

The central focus of this programme is to provide you with a deep understanding of working with children and young people and develop your ability to apply theory into your practice, including the importance of anti-discriminatory practice. The course aims to cultivate a reflective professional workforce that continuously improves quality practice and attain the practical aptitudes required by a practitioner in the sector.

On successful completion of this programme you will be eligible to register with the Scottish Social Service Council (SSSC)) at practitioner level.

The flexibility in the framework of this HNC makes the award suitable for full and part-time learners.

Location:

Dumfries

Duration

This programme is undertaken over 36 weeks. You will have a blend of college based class lessons and online learning for approximately 2 days per week and an additional 2 days per week in a work placement in an appropriate early learning and childcare setting. You will also have the opportunity to undertake a short block placement during the academic year.

Entry Requirements

For Entry to this course you'll need :

A real interest in the Practitioner Role, working with children and families
An understanding that good communication skills are essential for working and delivering good quality early learning and childcare
A minimum of 2 relevant Highers, including English at Grade C or above OR
1 Higher English at level C or above and a relevant course at SCQF level 6 (such as Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services Children and Young People) OR
NC Higher Early Education and Childcare, NC Higher Health and Social Care, SVQ Social Services : Children and Young People (or equivalent), OR
Peers Early Education Partnership (PEEP) Learners : 6 credits @ level 6 with either significant experience in the sector and/or 1 additional Higher, preferably English.
Relevant sector experience in a formal early learning and childcare or school setting.
To include a detailed and well written personal statement that is accurate, outlines your early learning and childcare work experience, explaining how you've taken part in planning and facilitating experiences for children and young people and demonstrates your committment and enthusiasm for working in the sector. Should be no less than 250 words.
To go through an interview process, including an individual written task, requiring prior research around a relevent topic within early learning and childcare. (See question outlined below in information about interview session)
To have the capacity to commit to a demanding course and be able to attend 100% to all college based classes, online classes and be able to attend a work placement at the required starting and finishing times demonstrating complete professional reliability to the setting.
To be eligible to become a member of the PVG scheme.
Ideally be 18yrs or over

If you are currently studying at the college, you will also require a positive progressing learner reference.

Additional Entry Requirements

For applicants who wish to use the successful completion of their HNC Childhood Practice qualification as a pathway to become a Primary Teacher you will need the following for entry crieteria to the MA (Hons) in Primary Education with Teaching Qualification at the University of Glasgow and come on to the HNC Childhood Practice course with these qualifications already attained:

First Year entry to the MA (Hons) in Primary Education
- You will also need Higher English pass at Level B or above and
- National 5 Mathematics OR National 5 Applications of Mathematics pass at level B or above

Second-year entry to the MA (Hons) in Primary Education (using the HNC Childhood Practice as your first year of the MA (Hons) in Primary Education Qualification)
- Higher English pass at level B or above and
- National 5 Mathematice OR National 5 Applications of Mathematics pass at level B or above and
- 1 Higher in a foreign Language (e.g. French, or Spanish, or German etc.,) pass at level C or above.

For further details on these articulation pathways please read further essential information below under 'Progression'

Information and Interview Session Requirements

Once we have received your application you will be asked to attend an informal information and interview session. This may be virtual either through TEAMS or by phone but remember to tell us all about yourself in your personal statement!

This is a key aspect of the application process. You must confirm your attendance should you be offered an appointment.

During the information and interview session, we will ensure the entry requirements and your aspirations and career plan are appropriate for the course and the level of course you have applied for. It is therefore important that you prepare well for this.

You will be required to attend an interview having undertaken prior research in order to discuss and write about the following:

Practitioners working with children and young people need to have a deep understanding of child development and how to draw on this knowledge in a practical setting. Why is this important? Illustrate your response with examples.

You will have an interview to determine your suitability for the programme.
You must demonstrate excellent motivation and possess capacity to attend all aspects of the programme for the full academic year.
All college students currently on a programme who wish to continue on to a further programme must be able to obtain a positive progressing learner reference.

Course Content

This is a demanding course which will enable you to acquire a sound understanding of the professional role of an early years practitioner. It will support you in developing the essential knowledge and skills needed to work in an early learning and childcare setting.
The course will include a mixture of delivery approaches using online virtual platforms; classroom lessons and work placement experiences.
Here is a brief taste of what you will be doing:

Exploring a variety of guidance, frameworks and policies that are in place to support children and young people's learning, development and play in an early years setting.
Learning about health, wellbeing and safeguarding issues, becoming familiar with legislation and policies, protective and preventative health measures, the practitioner's role in safeguarding children and young people.
Developing your skills and approaches to enable children's development in language, literacy and numeracy.
Investigating the complexities of human development through psychological theories, and gaining an understanding of how life experiences can affect development, behaviour and additional support needs.
Studying the contribution sociology gives to professional practice through exploring care in contemporary society.
Working in an early learning and childcare setting you will develop your skills in promoting effective communication with children and colleagues, develop observations skills and learn how to record and report children's progress as well as having opportunity to promote health, safety and security within your setting.

Assessments

A variety of approaches are taken, such as practical observations of work at placement, written assignments, building portfolios of evidence etc.

Progression

This course may enable the following progression pathways:

Progression to Primary Education Articulation Pathway
For applicants who wish to use the successful completion of the HNC Childhood Practice qualification as a pathway to become a Primary Teacher you will need the following for entry crieteria to the MA (Hons) in Primary Education with Teaching Qualification at the University of Glasgow:

First Year entry to the MA (Hons) in Primary Education with Teaching Qualification

Higher English pass at Level B or above and
National 5 Mathematics OR National 5 Applications of Mathematics pass at level B or above and
Minimum Grade B in the Graded Unit component of the HNC Childhood Practice qualification and
A successful interview undertaken with University of Glasgow.

Second Year entry to the MA (Hons) in Primary Education with Teaching Qualification (using the HNC Childhood Practice as your first year of the MA (Hons) in Primary Education Qualification)

Higher English pass at level B or above and
National 5 Mathematice OR National 5 Applications of Mathematics pass at level B or above and
1 Higher in a foreign Language (e.g. French, or Spanish, or German etc.,) pass at level C or above.
An 'A' pass in the Graded Unit component of the HNC Childhood Practice qualification and
Attendance at and completion of tasks in Numeracy and Literacy Online classess run by University of Glasgow. These classes will fit around your HNC Childhood Practice timetable during the second half of your HNC course, and
A successful interview undertaken by University of Glasgow.

All students who have gained successful entry to a University of Glasgow degree programme will attend a summer school in preparation for the academic year ahead.

Progression to the second year entry of the BA in Childhood Studies degree at the University of the West of Scotland

The HNC Childhood Practice qualification enables seamless progressesion to this programme, the following additional entry criteria is required :

To go through a successful interview process with University of West of Scotland.

Other possible progression pathways at Dumfries and Stranaer Campuses:

PDA Childhood Practice (once employment in a childcare setting is secured);

Other Next Step Options:

HND Childhood Practice; Registered paediatric Nurse Programme; BA/BSc Psychology; BA/BSc Social Sciences; Diploma in Social Work, Degree in Health Studies. Possible degree routes with Open University include Childhood and Youth Studies, Early Years, Social Science. BA/Dip Education and Social sciences.

Applicants are advised to check the entry criteria with the college or university of their choice for these courses.

Employment

This qualification is necessary for registration with Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) at the Practitioner level.

Variety of other career progressions pathways available:

http://learn.sssc.uk.com/childcarecareers/

Career Prospects

The qualification could lead directly to employment in the voluntary, private or local authority sector. Employment can be pursued in nurseries, schools, hospitals and other childcare facilities or progression to teacher training.

You can progress to other career pathways if interested in working in social services with children and young people. (http://learn.sssc.uk.com/childcarecareers/

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

Nationally recognised qualification and valued award for people who want to work in a variety of early learning and childcare settings.

The course meets the registration requirements set by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) for those working in a care setting

You will undertake a significant work placement which includes completion of three units from the SVQ3 Social Services: Children and Young People

Expanding workforce locally and nationally.

Can progress directly to employment as an Early Learning and Childcare Practitioner on gaining this qualification

May progress onto second year of the BA Childhood Studies at University of West of Scotland.
May progress to year one or year two of the MA(Hons) in Primary Education with Teaching Qualification Programme at University of Glasgow dependent on qualifications and entry criteria.

Variety of other career progressions pathways available within the sector :