Childhood Practice Level 5 (SCQF 5)

Course overview

The Childhood Practice Level 5 is an engaging and interactive course designed to prepare students for working with children and young people or further study in Childhood Practice. 

Alongside studying towards the Skills for Work, Early Learning and Childcare National 5 Group Award and Supporting Children with Additional Support Needs (ASN), you will also develop a range of Meta-skills relating to Childhood Practice and study a range of micro-topics, that will support your personal and professional development now and in your future career.

The course also includes the key Core skills of Communications (SCQF 5) and Numeracy (SCQF 4). These units are essential to support children and young people's learning and development.

This SCQF Level 5 course is for those who have achieved academic qualifications, including English or Communication, at SCQF Level 4 or above. Alongside the qualification entry requirements, selection for the course will be based on an interview and your personal statement.

Previous experience will be considered and work experience in a childcare setting is desirable but not mandatory.

To help prepare you for your course and share further information we have created an online Padlet notice board. This will be regularly updated until the course starts in August.

What you will learn

• Candidates who successfully achieve this course will be awarded the Early Learning and Childcare SQA Group Award at SCQF Level 5,
• National 5 Communication
• National 4 Numeracy

SCQF Level 5 (National 5) Units include:

• Play in Early Learning and Childcare
• Working in Early Learning and Childcare
• Children and Young People: Rights and Protection
• Development and Wellbeing of Children and Young People
• Supporting children with ASN

You will also study:

• Meta-skills
• Sustainability

Placement information

• There is no work placement on this course. You will not complete a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) disclosure check.
• Placements are a mandatory part of our SSSC registrable, full-time Childhood Practice courses at SCQF 6 and 7, which require a PVG Disclosure check. 
• When considering studying or working in this sector, please consider The PVG scheme. This scheme helps to protect children and adults within our sector therefore, we require a clear PVG to enable you to proceed with an application for a course.  If you have any questions regarding this, please get in contact to discuss. 

How the course is assessed

• This course will be assessed by a range of methods
• You will be assessed continually throughout the course
• You will build folios of work, write reports, record learning experiences and reflect on your learning

Number of days per week

• 16 hours of class contact per week. This will usually be 2.5 days per week.
• Days and hours will be confirmed as soon as available (see Padlet)
• We recommend that you will need an additional 2 hours per week of self-study
• We will make every effort to provide your chosen course at your chosen campus

Entry requirements

• English or Communication plus two other subjects at National 4 (or equivalent). 
• If you have successfully achieved a relevant National 4 full-time course including Routes into Care and Childhood Practice or SCP Childhood Practice National 4, you may be eligible to progress to this Level 5 course
• If you do not have the formal entry requirements but have significant experience working with children you will also be considered: please detail this in your Personal Statement
• Spaces are limited, with selection based on your Personal Statement and interview. 

Writing a personal statement

Your Personal Statement is an important part of your application and helps us to decide if you are suitable for the course.

To make sure that you are giving us all the information we need to consider your application fully, please include the following:

• Reasons for applying for this course. Why does it interest you? Why are you suitable for this course?
• Details of any relevant qualifications that you have to meet the course entry requirements
• Information about any courses or training you have done that are relevant – this can include certificated training such as First Aid or CPD courses
• Details of any work experience (paid or voluntary) that is relevant to the course
• Your future career plans – how will this course help you to reach your goals?

You should check that the statement is written clearly, and using appropriate language. It is a good idea to ask someone to proofread the statement before sending it.

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

• We will have a short one-to-one interview.
• We will discuss the course content, your motivation and enthusiasm for learning to work with children, any experience you have and any support you might need. It will be an ideal time to ask questions to help you decide if you can enthusiastically commit to the course.

English Proficiency Requirements

To give our students the best opportunity to achieve this course, applicants for whom English is an additional language require an existing English language certificate at IELTS Level 5.5 or equivalent. Alternatively, additional language applicants will be required to undertake an English Language Assessment at College. There will be a cost of £20 for this test unless you are in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance, Working Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Disability Benefit or Income Support or if you are an asylum seeker or refugee.  English proficiency at IELTS Level 5.5 or equivalent is a course requirement. 

Progression and Articulation Routes

• NC Childhood Practice (SCQF 6)
• PDA ESA (Classroom Assistants) (SCQF 6) (Sighthill only)
• HNC Childhood Practice (SCQF 7)
• Suitability for progression will be determined by achievement, attendance record, conduct and a successful progression discussion

Career options

• Early Learning and Childcare is recognised as one of the main growth areas for employment in Scotland currently and in the future.
• You can find more information about careers in childcare on the Childcare Careers Scotland website and the Early Learning and Childcare website.