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HND CHILDHOOD PRACTICE

  • Start date:   August 2026
  • Level of Qualification:   SCQF Level 8
  • Course Type:   Full-time

HND CHILDHOOD PRACTICE

The HND in Childhood Practice is a dynamic qualification that blends practical skills with in-depth theoretical knowledge to support you in a rewarding career in Childhood Practice.

Please note: Applications for all Full-Time, Part-Time and Schools courses for August 2026 entry are now closed.
If you are interested in studying with us, applications for our January 2027 Full-Time Short Courses will open on 13th October 2026.

Applications for August 2027 entry will open in mid-January 2027. These courses will be showcased at our December Showcase Event, with full details available closer to the time.

Work-Based Qualifications (SVQs) still have spaces available, and applications are accepted throughout the year. For information on our available Work-Based Qualifications (SVQs) and how to apply, please visit our Work-Based Qualifications (SVQs) page.

Please check our website regularly for updates, course information and future application dates.

 

Start date – August 2026 
End date –  June 2027 
SCQF Level -  8 
Mode –  Full time  

Days: 2 days per week – Wednesday and Thursday (work placement days will be in addition to this if you are not currently working in practice)
Times: 9am - 12pm and 1pm – 4pm   
Duration: 1 year

This course ensures you gain the expertise and hands-on experience that the industry values most. You’ll develop the skills needed to support children’s growth and learning, while also exploring the theories and best practices that underpin effective childcare.

Whether you’re aiming to advance your career or enhancing your practitioner qualification before taking your first steps into a career in the sector, this qualification will equip you with the tools to succeed in a variety of professional settings.

  • What the course includes

    The Higher National Diploma (HND) in Childhood Practice at SCQF Level 8 is designed to deepen your understanding and enhance your skills for a successful career in CHildhood Practice. Building on the foundation of the Higher National Certificate (HNC), this course focuses on key areas such as enhanced professional practice, where you'll refine the techniques and approaches needed to support children's development effectively.  

    You'll explore leadership and team working, learning how to guide and collaborate with others in childhood practice settings, as well as integrated and collaborative working, which highlights the importance of working with families, colleagues, and other professionals to support children holistically.  

    The course also explores policy to practice, helping you understand how national policies shape childhood practice, and introduces advanced pedagogical approaches, giving you the tools to create engaging and effective learning environments for children. 

Why choose this course

The HND in Childhood Practice is an excellent choice for anyone passionate about working with children and advancing their career in childhood practice. Whether you're looking to progress your studies from a recently completed HNC or someone already working in the sector and looking to boost your career prospects, this course is designed for you.

You’ll be able to enhance your planning and implementation skills by taking part in our annual sustainability event on campus- find out more here.

In the past two academic years HND students have had the opportunity to travel to Soest, Germany as part of our newly established international partnership with South Westphalia University.

Entry requirements

  • HNC Childhood Practice  
  • HNC Social Services 
  • SVQ level 3 Social Services Children & Young People or SVQ level 3 Play work Practice (dependant on SCQF credits) 
  • Experience in an Early Learning or Childhood Practice 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. 

  • Where it leads

    Education: West Lothian College has an exclusive articulation agreement with advance standing into year 3 of BA (Hons) Education at Queen Margaret University.    

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

    With relevant experience you can progress onto BA Childhood Practice (Hons) programmes.

    Employment: promoted posts within Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) settings.

Interview arrangements

You’ll be invited to an interview to ensure the course is the right fit for you. The interview consists of: 

  • Course information 
  • Interview 
  • Short written task 

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

During the interview we will check your suitability for the course by discussing your skills/qualities, experience and qualifications. This will be informal with no set questions. 

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

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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.

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