Childhood Practice HNC @ SCQF Level 7

Course description

This is a demanding course which will enable you to acquire a sound understanding of the professional role of an early years practitioner. It will support you in developing the essential knowledge and skills needed to work in an early learning and childcare setting. The course will include a mixture of delivery approaches using online virtual platforms; classroom lessons and work placement experiences. Here is a brief taste of what you will be doing:  

• Exploring a variety of guidance, frameworks and policies that are in place to support children and young people's learning, development and play in an early year setting. 
• Learning about health, wellbeing and safeguarding issues, becoming familiar with legislation and policies, protective and preventative health measures, the practitioner's role in safeguarding children and young people. 
• Developing your skills and approaches to enable children's development in language, literacy, and numeracy. 
• Investigating the complexities of human development through psychological theories and gaining an understanding of how life experiences can affect development, behaviour, and additional support needs. 
• Studying the contribution sociology gives to professional practice through exploring care in contemporary society. 
• Working in an early learning and childcare setting you will develop your skills in promoting effective communication with children and colleagues, develop observations skills and learn how to record and report children's progress as well as having opportunity to promote health, safety, and security within your setting. 

If you want to pursue a career in working with children, this programme may be perfect for you to follow your dreams!  This programme is a nationally recognised qualification for people who want to work in a variety of early learning and childcare settings, supporting children and young people with varying needs.  Effective early learning and childcare experiences are now known to have significant influences towards positive outcomes and future life chances for all children. The central focus of this programme is to provide you with a deep understanding of working with children and young people and develop your ability to apply theory into your practice, including the importance of anti-discriminatory practice. The course aims to cultivate a reflective professional workforce that continuously improves quality practice and attain the practical aptitudes required by a practitioner in the sector.  On successful completion of this programme you will be eligible to register with the Scottish Social Service Council (SSSC) at practitioner level.  The flexibility in the framework of this HNC makes the award suitable for full and part-time learners.

Learning outcome

The qualification could lead directly to employment in the voluntary, private, or local authority sector. Employment can be pursued in nurseries, schools, hospitals and other childcare facilities or progression to teacher training.  You can progress to other career pathways if interested in working in social services with children and young people.

• HND Childhood Practice
• BA Childhood Studies (Level 9 and Level 10) (articulation pathway to the second year of this degree at UWS (University of West of Scotland))
• BA Childhood Practice

Progression to Primary Education Articulation Pathway For applicants who wish to use the successful completion of the HNC Childhood Practice qualification as a pathway to become a Primary Teacher you will need the following for entry criteria to the MA (Hons) in Primary Education with Teaching Qualification at the University of Glasgow: First Year entry to the MA (Hons) in Primary Education with Teaching Qualification

• Higher English pass at Level B or above and
• National 5 Mathematics OR National 5 Applications of Mathematics pass at level B or above and
• Minimum Grade B in the Graded Unit component of the HNC Childhood Practice qualification and
• A successful interview undertaken with University of Glasgow.

Second Year entry to the MA (Hons) in Primary Education with Teaching Qualification (using the HNC Childhood Practice as your first year of the MA (Hons) in Primary Education Qualification)

• Higher English pass at level B or above and
• National 5 Mathematics OR National 5 Applications of Mathematics pass at level B or above and
• 1 Higher in a foreign Language (e.g. French, or Spanish, or German etc.,) pass at level C or above.
• An 'A' pass in the Graded Unit component of the HNC Childhood Practice qualification and
• Attendance at and completion of tasks in Numeracy and Literacy Online classes run by University of Glasgow. These classes will fit around your HNC Childhood Practice timetable during the second half of your HNC course, and
• A successful interview undertaken by University of Glasgow.

All students who have gained successful entry to a University of Glasgow degree programme will attend a summer school in preparation for the academic year ahead. Second Year entry to the MA (Hons) in Primary Education with Teaching Qualification (using the HNC Childhood Practice as your first year of the MA (Hons) in Primary Education Qualification)Variety of other career progressions pathways available by following this link - http://learn.sssc.uk.com/childcarecareers/