Early Years

Have you ever thought of working in childcare but don’t know where to start?

If you have a passion for working with children and aspire to positively impact their early years, our HNC Childhood Practice is the ideal course for you. This course will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of working with children and their families. It will support you in developing the required knowledge, theory and skills aligning with Scottish Social Services Codes of Practice and Health and Social Care Standards.

HNC Childhood Practice is a nationally recognised professional qualification and when you have achieved this qualification you will be eligible for registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) as a Practitioner, which is an essential requirement for a variety of roles within the Early Years sector. 

For entry to this course, you’ll need:

• A real interest in supporting children’s learning and development.
• Minimum of two Highers, one of which must be English at a grade C or above and National 5 Maths

OR

• Successful completion of a SCQF level 6 course in a related subject
• Significant experience of working with children in a voluntary or paid capacity
• To be eligible to register with the PVG scheme.
• To provide an excellent personal statement and attend an interview with us
• To provide a satisfactory reference

Please note that places on this course may be limited due to the number of internal students progressing to the next level of study. If you do not meet the entry requirements for this course, you may be offered an alternative course with us. 

Our course offers an integrated, inclusive and comprehensive delivery that includes a hands-on placement element within an early years establishment. This placement is a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience as well as supporting understanding of professional requirements.

We will support you in developing an understanding of the principles, values and essential skills that underpin practitioners’ everyday practice, along with knowledge and understanding of current initiatives and strategies within the early years sector ensuring that you have up to date and relevant experience such as Forest Kindergarten.

We explore legislation, policies and frameworks, theoretical concepts and the vital role and responsibilities of a practitioner. Through topics such as the vital role of play in children’s development, holistic development, wellbeing and safeguarding as well as modern family issues, collaboration and ethical dilemmas.

We explore:

• Leadership
• Health, Wellbeing and Safeguarding
• Children’s Rights and Provision
• Support for Play, Learning and Development
• Contemporary issues for children and their families

Lessons are delivered face to face in class to support developing your knowledge and understanding of how to support children’s learning and development. This includes Forest Kindergarten sessions in the local community such as Dean Castle and Country Park and Eglington Park

Assessments are essay/reports, a placement folio, and a pedagogical journal. 

If you chose to continue your studies, you can apply for:

• HND Childhood Practice – Level 8 
• PDA Childhood Practice – Level 8
• BA Childhood Practice - Level 9

There are various career opportunities available with this qualification such as working as a Practitioner, Family Support Officer, Out of School Care (before/after schools and holiday clubs), Childminding and also working in residential establishments

• Meta Skills – You will develop skills such as professional integrity, communication skills and adaptability.
• Transferable Skills – You will develop research skills, digital skills and self-awareness skills such confidence, personal qualities and skills.
• Technical Skills - You will develop understanding of leadership skills and theory as well as using reflective practice 

If you attend Ayr Campus, you will be placed in a South Ayrshire placement

If you attend Kilmarnock Campus, you will be place in an East Ayrshire placement

If you attend Kilwinning Campus, you will be placed in a North Ayrshire placement

On completion of the HNC Childhood Practice, you can articulate to:

• Employment within the Sector

Further study:

• PDA childhood Practice
• HND Childhood Practice
• UWS, BA Childhood Studies