Higher Childcare and Development (SCP)

Course overview

This course is for S5 and S6 school pupils only while attending school.

The course is designed to support students with an interest in working in childcare or who would like to pursue a career in teaching. 

This course will involve practical, interactive and engaging learning throughout the course.

The course is through our School College Partnership (SCP) programme at our Milton Road and Sighthill campuses. In response to student feedback, the course will be delivered using a blended approach with classes on campus on Tuesday afternoons and online on Thursday afternoons.

The course includes the following topics:

Child development

You will investigate child development from pre-birth to 16, develop an understanding of the holistic needs of children and young people and explore how these needs interrelate. You will evaluate methods for assessing the development of children and have the opportunity to identify and analyse factors that influence child development.

Child development: theory

You will develop an understanding of theories of development and analyse these concerning how they support working with children and young people.

Services for children and young people

You will explore current services and the role of professionals and others working in partnership to support the development of children and young people. You will also develop an understanding of how legislation, initiatives and strategies influence professional working relationships and current practice.

Completing this course will award you an SQA Higher in Childcare and Development.

What you will learn

The main aim of the course is to enable you to:

• Understand child development and the factors that influence it from pre-birth to 16 years.
• Understand theories of development and the way these are applied to working with children and young people.
• Develop an awareness of initiatives and/or strategies used to inform current childhood practice.
• Develop an awareness of current services for children and young people.
• Understand the role and responsibilities of professionals and others in contributing to the development of children and young people.
• Develop skills in investigating, analysing, evaluating and presenting information.

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, and these courses 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

• The course will be assessed through both a project-based assessment and an external SQA exam.

Number of days per week

• The course will be on a Tuesday and Thursday between 1.30 PM and 4.00 PM
• The course will be on campus on Tuesdays and online (using Microsoft Teams) on Thursdays

Entry requirements

• Applicants must be attending secondary school
• Applicants must have achieved National 5 English.
• Applicants must have either achieved or be working towards Higher English in 2025/26
• Applicants should be committed to completing the course and the full 2025/26 session at school
• Selection will be based on entry requirements and the applicant's personal statement which should be submitted as part of the application process

Writing a personal statement

Your personal statement is an important part of your application and helps us 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:

• Your 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.

Progression and Articulation Routes

• HNC Childhood Practice Practitioner or primary school teacher focus. SCQF level 7
• PDA Education Support Assistance (classroom assistant course) SCQF level 6 or related subjects at SCQF level 6, such as Higher Care course or further study, employment and/or training
• If you have Higher English and National 5 Maths you may wish to pursue a career as a primary school teacher at a university.

Career options

• You could potentially with further study become a childcare Practitioner working in an early education and childcare setting
• An education support assistant (classroom assistant in a primary, secondary or special school) 
• Train to become a primary or secondary teacher