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NC CHILDHOOD PRACTICE LEVEL 6

  • Start date:   August 2026
  • Level of Qualification:   SCQF Level 6
  • Course Type:   Full-time

NC CHILDHOOD PRACTICE LEVEL 6

The NC Level 6 Childhood Practice course is perfect if you’re interested in working with children or exploring a career in early education and childcare. It covers a mix of practical skills and important theories, giving you a solid foundation for further study or starting a job as a support worker in childcare.

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 - 6

Mode –  Full time

Days: 2-3 days per week Monday to Friday (24 days placement in nursery/school)
Times: 9am - 12pm & 1pm - 4pm  
Duration: 1 year

This course is your first step toward making a real difference in young lives.

Read about Mia-Renee Milan's West Lothian College experience here

 

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    What the course includes

    You’ll learn a wide range of essential topics to help you work with children and young people. You’ll gain an understanding of the many factors that can impact a child or young person’s health, wellbeing, and development. You’ll also learn how to view health, wellbeing, and development in a holistic way, considering all aspects of a child’s life. 

    The course will teach you how theories of development and play can inform and improve current childhood practices. You’ll develop an awareness of cultural diversity and how it affects the health and development needs of children and young people. You’ll also focus on the importance of children’s rights, with an emphasis on safeguarding and protecting children from abuse and exploitation. 

    You’ll gain knowledge of current curriculum guidelines related to children’s care, learning, and development, with a strong focus on inclusive practice. The course will also explore what makes early learning and childcare effective and why supporting transitions for children is crucial for their development. 

    Throughout the course, you’ll learn about the role of professionals and agencies that contribute to the health and development of children aged 0-12, and the importance of working in partnership to ensure the best outcomes. You’ll also build communication skills to develop and maintain positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues. 

    Finally, the course will help you reflect on your practice and improve your personal effectiveness in various childhood practice settings, giving you the tools to become a confident and reflective professional.

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Why choose this course

The NC in Childhood Practice at SCQF Level 6 is an exciting course that’s built in partnership with employers, so it’s designed to meet the needs of today’s childcare industry. It gives you the skills and knowledge employers are looking for, helping you stand out and progress in your career! 

Whether you’re already working with children or planning to, this course will boost your expertise and confidence. You’ll learn everything from the latest childcare practices to key values and skills that will set you up for success in a childhood practice setting. It’s the perfect way to kickstart your career 

There are additional experiences available throughout the year including working with nursery and school children on campus and opportunities to attend our conferences where you can participate in workshops delivered by various professionals relevant to your chosen career. 

It will also give you the opportunity to consider the different childcare provision options within early learning and childcare. 

Entry requirements

 

  • 3 National 5 qualifications at grade C or above, one of which must be English 

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

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

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

  • Where it leads

    Education: HNC childhood practice or other relevant HNC level courses.

    Employment: Entry into a career as a support worker within Childhood Practice and early years provision. 

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.

Interview Questions

  • Tell us why you have applied for the course? 
  • Have you ever applied for another course? 
  • If at school: What school did you attend and what were you most proud of at school? 
  • If a school leaver: what have you been doing since you left school and what are you most proud of? 
  • What personal qualities do you have that would make you suitable for working with children? 
  • What challenges have you previously experienced in education and how did you overcome them?  
  • What are you most looking forward to coming to college? 
  • Did you ever have learning support at school, and will you need this if you come to college? 
  • Where do you see yourself in five years' time? 
  • Do you have any questions about college or the course?  
  • Do you have a support worker? And can we get in touch with them?

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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