arc blue

HNC CHILDHOOD PRACTICE FULL TIME

  • Start date:   August 2024
  • Level of Qualification:   SCQF Level 7
  • Course Type:   Full-time

HNC CHILDHOOD PRACTICE FULL TIME

This course is designed to prepare you to work effectively in a wide range of childhood practice settings.

Start date – Aug 2024

End date – Jun 2025

SCQF Level - 7

Mode – Full time

Days: Monday to Friday
Times: 9am - 12pm & 1pm - 4pm
Duration: 1 year

On this course, you will learn about the values, principles and legislation relevant to a career in early learning and childcare. You will also gain workplace experience that will support the development of valuable skills required by employers in the sector.

On successful completion of the course, you will be eligible to register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) at practitioner level.

  • What the course includes

    The course contains units that will enable you to demonstrate an understanding of the values and principles which underpin work in childhood practice settings, as well as how the National Care Standards and SSSC Codes of Practice inform working practices.

    You will learn about current legislation, policy and guidance that supports effective practice. Completion of the course will prepare you for employment; by enabling you to develop the skills to critically evaluate and become a reflective practitioner.

     Units included on this course: 

    • Lifespan Development Theoretical Approaches 
    • Support for Play Learning & Development 
    • Supporting Contemporary Families
    • Health, Wellbeing and Safeguarding

Why choose this course

You will gain valuable experience from work placements within early years settings as well as early years and primary establishments visiting campus, within our purpose-built playroom and outdoor classrooms.

Entry requirements

  • 2 Highers (one must be English, communication or written English on core skills profile) at grade C or above, or level 6 childhood practice qualification and Higher Childcare and Development or equivalent 
  • Foundation Apprenticeship in a related subject and Higher English at grade C or above
  • Experience in a childcare/related setting
  • IT skills (for assessments) desirable

We welcome applications from people with relevant life and work experience.

An Enhanced Disclosure Scotland application is required. This will be carried out with the college if a place is offered. 

If English is not your first language, ESOL Level 5 is an entry requirement for this course.

  • yuytty

    Where it leads

    Education: HND Childhood Practice (for those currently employed within early years) or degree-level courses. West Lothian College has an exclusive articulation agreement with advance standing into year 2 of the BA (Hons) Education Studies (Primary) at Queen Margaret University.

    These spaces are limited and applicants who submit a competitive application will be considered.

    Employment: In childcare with statutory, voluntary or private organisations including schools, nurseries, creches and family centres. Previous students have found employment with West Lothian Council and several private nurseries.

Interview arrangements

If we invite you for an interview, plan to be in college for around two hours. The interview consists of:

  • Course information
  • Interview
  • Short written task

Please bring evidence of any qualifications and/or any employment references.

Fees, Finance & Funding

There may be help available to assist with your study related costs. Impartial, confidential help and advice on financial matters is available from the Student Funding Team - including Bursaries, Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA), Student Awards Agency for Scotland, Student Loans Company and student support funds. Click here to find out more

arc purple
arc white

Take that next step in your career and apply for this course today. If the course is not yet open for applications, feel free to ask any questions by clicking make an enquiry.