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.
Course description
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.
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
- 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 opportunities
- 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
Course options
Course Type: Other
Details
Venue details
Sighthill Campus
Bankhead Avenue
Edinburgh
Course provider
Edinburgh College
Sighthill Campus
Bankhead Avenue
Edinburgh