Childhood Practice HNC @ SCQF Level 7

Introduction

If you want to pursue a career in working with children, this programme may be perfect for you to follow your dreams!

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.

Course code

HCHP

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 and half days 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 :

To demonstrate a real interest in the Practitioner Role, working with children and families
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.

Evidence of relevant sector experience in a formal early learning and childcare or school setting.
Successful performance at an interview.
PVG eligibility
You must be over 17 years of age at the start of the course.

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

Information and Interview Session Requirements

If selected you will be asked to attend an interview session. This may be face to face, or online through TEAMS or by phone. Please leave at least an hour for this.

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 written task will be based on the following question:

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.

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.

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

HND Childhood Practice
BA Childhood Studies (Level 9 and Level 10) (articulation pathway to the second year of this degree at UWS)
BA Childhood Practice
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.

Employment

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

Variety of other career progressions pathways available by following this link

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.

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

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 level 9 and 10 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 :

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

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

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