Childhood Practice SCQF 6 (Online Virtual Classroom) NC

What is special about this course?

This NC Childhood Practice provides a broad-based study of the range of topics related to early education and childcare that are required for progression to areas of study or employment at support worker level within a childhood practice and childcare setting. The NC is designed to develop and enhance the knowledge, skills, values and competencies of those wishing to work with, or already working with, children and young people in a childhood practice setting. 

Learners will gain knowledge, understanding, skills and attributes that will help them to contribute to the development of children in personal and professional contexts. 

The main purpose of the course is for learners to understand early education and child development from pre-birth to age 18 and the roles and responsibilities of practitioners, other professionals and parents/carers in contributing to the development of children and young people. Learners will gain knowledge, understanding, skills and attributes that will help them to contribute to the development of children in personal and professional contexts. Learners will undertake childcare placements. 

During your course, we introduce you to using a range of digital technologies, which will help you get the most from your course and at the same time develop your digital skills. Find out more about key computing skills and essential student skills.

Entry requirements

Four National 5s at C or above, one must be English 

If you don’t meet our entry requirements, your previous experience may still qualify you for this course. You are required to have a satisfactory Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check to enable participation in work placement. This will be provided as a mandatory part of your course. 

We’ll be inviting you by email to attend course information sessions between now and the start of your course. We’d urge you to come along if at all possible. 

  • Child Development and Theory 
  • Services for Children and Young People 
  • Planning for Practice 
  • Providing an Inclusive Curriculum in Childhood Practice 
  • Supporting the Behavior of Children and Young People 
  • Supporting the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Development of Children and Young People 
  • Supporting Playwork Practice 
  • Supporting Children and Young People who require Additional Support for Learning 

How will I study my course?

  • Full Time
  • Online

You normally need to commit to 18 hours per week (2-3 days) of learning time consisting of timetabled classes and self-directed study. 

Timetabled learning will take place in an online virtual classroom where you connect and interact with your lecturer and classmates using video, voice and text chat. You will also complete regular and flexible self-directed study which you can do at a time convenient to you. 

You will be assessed through a combination of practical tasks and open and closed-book assessments throughout the year. You may have to attend a college centre or other exam centre for some of these – we can discuss this with you on application.

How long will my course last?

1 Academic Year

Where can I study my course?

    • Study from anywhere including your local campus or centre

Start date

September

Fees

Find out more about fees, fee waivers and funding options.

What can I do on completion of my course?

  • HNC Childhood Practice 
  • SVQ Social Services and Healthcare (Children & Young People) 
  • Enhanced career opportunities or progression onto other relevant courses including BA(Hons) Health Studies, BA(Hons) Child and Youth Studies, BSc (Hons) Psychology, BSc (Hons) Sport and Fitness 

Is there more information available online?

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 I decided to study because 20 years after leaving school, my life was finally in a place where I could focus my attention on further education. The course has been a great experience. I have learned so much and found a real passion for learning that I didn’t think I had. I intended to only do a year, but I am in the process of applying to for HNC Childhood Practice. My intention is to work in childcare although through doing the course, I have found that I have interests in areas of childcare that I had not considered before. If you’re thinking about taking the course, I can highly recommend it. For me it’s been nothing but positive.

Denise MacColl

 I wanted to study this course as I would like to work in a nursery setting in the future. I am enjoying it so much. The course is easy to follow and I have great support from my lecturers. Being online is so much better for my life as I can work my daily life around my team call classes. Being two days a week leaves me with the rest of the week to complete my course work, without the stress of a full week of classes. The classes are full of important information and we have many class discussions which makes sure we are understanding what we are learning.

Emma Sandison

Apply for Childhood Practice SCQF 6 (Online Virtual Classroom) NC

We are no longer accepting applications for 2024/25

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We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI North, West and Hebrides. UHI North, West and Hebrides operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.