Early Years

Early years provision has changed significantly over the years. Today effective early learning and childcare experiences are recognised as playing a key role in future life chances and achievement.

For entry to this course you’ll need:

• A real interest in children’s learning and development

• Five relevant National 5s including English & ideally Maths/Numeracy or relevant ORcourse at SCQF Level 5 or equivalent, such as NC Early Education and Childcare

• An interview with us

• A satisfactory reference

• Eligible to be a member of the PVG scheme

If you have relevant life experience and a clear understanding of the importance of the Early Years Practitioner role, but don't have formal qualifications. Then we may consider you for a place, so please call for a chat.

On this course you’ll develop an understanding of how children learn and discover how to be in tune with children’s thinking. The course will equip candidates with professional values; practical skills and theoretical knowledge, to work effectively in the changing early learning and childcare sector with a variety of service users. Each week you will spend two days in college and two days on placement in an early years setting or primary school, working with the staff team.

The course includes the PDA Social Services (children and young people) and offers an alternative entry to HNC Childhood Practice Award.

Here are just some of what you'll be doing:

• You'll look at child development from pre-birth to 16 years, including exploring child development theory. You'll examine the holistic needs of children and young people, and factors that influence their development.
• You'll develop an understanding of working with children up to age 12 in an early education and childcare setting, and be able to contribute effectively to their care, learning and development.
• You'll look at the importance of play and how it benefits a developing child under 12 years.You'll develop skills to support different types of children's play, including creative, discovery, vigorous, books and technology.
• Learning how to support the curriculum for early years and ensure children's learning experiences are meaningful and engaging. Developing your skills to communicated in a variety of child-centered approaches.
• You’ll build transferable Essential Skills in meaningful contexts to help you become more effective in life, learning, and work. This could be communication, numeracy, ICT, working with others, and problem solving.

You will also look at the important issues around safeguarding children and young people.

When you successfully complete this course, you'll have the choice of:

• Moving onto an HNC course such as HNC Childhood Practice, HNC Additional Support Needs, HNC Social Services or HNC Working with Communities

After achieving a related HNC qualification, possible careers include:

• A breadth of Early Years Practitioner roles (age range 0-16)
• Diverse roles working with children and families across the sector, including ASN support roles.

Some candidates have also progressed to: Primary Education Teaching, Social Work, and Community Learning and Development.

Find out more in our Early Years prospectus