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Childcare with ESOL: NQ (Level 4)

A female lecturer wearing glasses and a lanyard points to a projected lesson on a whiteboard while teaching a group of students.
Qualification Qualifications Explained
NQ
Study Mode
Full Time
Duration

1 Year - 2.5 Days per week
Start date
Aug 2026
Campus
Springburn
Apply now

Course overview

Learn about caring for children while improving your English language and communication skills.

The NQ Level 4 Childcare with ESOL course helps you develop your understanding of Early Learning and Childcare.  At the same time, you’ll receive support to develop your English language and communication skills.

You’ll study the foundations of child development, play, and working in early years settings through a mix of theory and practical learning.

Group work, guest speakers and excursions will help you build confidence, improve your communication, and prepare for further study or a future career working with children.

You’ll also take part in college events and themed activities, learning in a friendly and supportive environment.

This course is ideal for:

  • Students whose first language is not English
  • Learners who want to work in Early Learning or Childcare
  • Those looking to gain confidence in English while learning about future careers in childcare and education
  • Students planning to progress to higher-level childcare courses

What you will learn

You’ll study a mix of childcare topics and ESOL units to prepare for future work or further learning, including:

  • Play in Early Education and Childcare (Level 4) – explore how play supports learning
  • Child Development (Level 4) – learn about stages of growth and development in children
  • Working in an Early Education and Childcare Setting (Level 4) – understand the role of childcare professionals
  • Care of Children (Level 4) – study how to meet children’s needs safely and effectively
  • Communication (Level 4) – improve confidence in spoken and written English for working with others
  • ESOL for Employability (Level 5) – build English for study and work in care settings

(Units may be subject to change.)

Learning combines class discussions, group projects, and presentations to build both your childcare knowledge and your English skills.

Tingting, a former Childcare with ESOL student at Glasgow Kelvin College, sits in a classroom holding a microphone and sharing her experience on the course.

From First Step to HNC Success ✏️✨

Hear from Tingting, who began her journey on our Childcare with ESOL course and has now progressed to HNC level with us.

Childcare with ESOL is designed to help students build a strong foundation in Early Learning and Childcare while developing their English language skills in a supportive environment. It’s the perfect starting point for those looking to begin a career in the sector.

Progressing to HNC level allows students to deepen their professional knowledge, enhance practical experience and take the next step towards a rewarding career in Early Learning and Childcare.

A journey of confidence, growth and opportunity.

View on YouTube

Entry requirements

✅ Minimum of SQA ESOL National 4 or equivalent qualification (click here to see equivalent qualifications)

✅ Attendance at an interview

✅ Interest in business, finance, or administration

Career Opportunities

This course helps you start your journey in the childcare sector and prepares you for roles such as:

👩‍🏫 Early Years Assistant

🧸 Nursery Support Worker

💬 Classroom Helper

You’ll develop communication, empathy, and teamwork skills that are essential in every childcare role.

Future prospects

After successfully completing this course, you can progress to:

  • NQ Level 5 Early Education and Childcare
  • PDA Supporting Educational Assistance (Level 6)
  • Other courses at Level 5
  • Further ESOL
  • Vocational study leading to employment in childcare

Other Courses You Might Consider

Find out about our ESOL Department

Read What Our Students Said

Video Transcript – Ting Ting: HNC Childhood Practice

Hi everyone, my name is Ting Ting. I've been in college for almost five years.

I first started, I was in course childcare alongside ESOL and I've jumped a level two, EDA level six.

I had a placement in primary school as a classroom assistant and now I'm in HNC Childhood Practice. So I'm also in placement two days a week and two days in college.

I've always wanted to do something in nursery. That's why I came up for this course and I've always enjoyed it because I like to work with children under five. I have my own children. I have two children. I think this is a perfect career for me.

My favorite part of this course is theory and I think the theory is quite interesting. It really shows in the placement when you see the children, you'll see how they develop and how the theory link to the practice. My favorite is ASN, additional support needs unit you're working in childcare section you will be working with a lot of children with additional support needs very interesting unit as well helps you to understand how the children behave how to support them in placemen.

My plan of course is to get a job after this course because i'm dying to get a job in future really really wants to work in early years

I'd like to say HNC is a very hard course for you to come through and it's going to benefit you a lot and also if you have children that would benefit a lot as well.

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