Early Learning and Childcare: NQ (Level 5)
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Course overview
Advance your professional skills and take the next step in your childcare career.
This SCQF Level 8 Professional Development Award (PDA) is designed for qualified practitioners who are ready to progress into leadership or advanced practice roles within the Early Learning and Childcare sector.
Delivered on a Monday evening (6–9pm), this course is ideal for those already working in the sector who wish to study part-time while continuing their employment. The programme encourages you to reflect on your current practice, develop leadership and teamwork skills, and gain a deeper understanding of pedagogy, policy and collaborative working.
You’ll explore how to integrate theory and practice effectively, drawing on your workplace experience to build confidence and professional insight. Learners should already be employed in, or have regular access to, a suitable placement in the childcare sector.
By the end of the PDA, you’ll have achieved 120 SCQF credit points and be well-equipped to move into senior or managerial roles, or continue towards degree-level study.
This course is ideal for:
- Practitioners already qualified at SCQF Level 7, registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
- Learners currently employed or on placement in Early Learning and Childcare settings.
- Those seeking to develop leadership, teamwork and reflective practice skills.
- Professionals aiming to progress to HND or BA level Childhood Practice qualifications.
What you will learn
This PDA consists of five mandatory double-credit HN Units (80 SCQF credit points) and four SVQ Units (40 SCQF credit points):
HN Units (SCQF Level 8)
- Enhanced Professional Practice (HT8J 35) – deepening your understanding of reflective and ethical practice.
- Leadership and Team Working (HT8K 35) – developing professional leadership and collaborative skills.
- Integrated Working and Collaborative Practice (HT8L 35) – promoting joined-up approaches to childcare and education.
- Policy to Practice (HT8M 35) – applying current legislation, policy and frameworks to everyday practice.
- Pedagogical Approaches (HT8N 35) – exploring theory, learning environments and pedagogy in practice.
SVQ Units
- Develop and Implement Operational Plans for Your Area of Responsibility (DR47 04)
- Provide Leadership in Your Area of Responsibility (DR75 04)
- Plan for and Support Self-Directed Play (DR93 04)
- Prepare the Childcare Setting for Regulatory Inspections (H5WH 04)
🧩 Together, these form a complete 120-credit qualification recognised across the Childhood Practice sector.
Entry requirements
✅ You must already hold a practitioner qualification in Early Learning and Childcare at SCQF Level 7 that allows SSSC registration as a Practitioner.
✅ You must be working in, or have regular access to, a placement within a registered childcare or early years setting.
✅ This qualification is suitable for experienced practitioners seeking professional advancement to Lead Practitioner or Manager level.
ℹ️ Funding Information:
You may be eligible to apply for a Part-Time Fee Grant (PTFG) from SAAS (Student Awards Agency Scotland) for study at SCQF Levels 7–9. For details, visit the SAAS website or contact their support team directly.
🕕 Class Schedule:
The course runs Monday evenings, 6–9pm, to fit around work and personal commitments.
ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language
- you need to have SQA ESOL Higher (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)
- If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment here at the College.
Career Opportunities
This PDA supports progression to roles such as:
👶 Senior or Lead Practitioner
🏫 Child Development Officer
🌈 Team Leader or Deputy Manager in Early Learning Settings
🧩 Playroom or Nursery Manager
Future prospects
Successful learners can progress to:
- HND Childhood Practice
- PDA Childhood Practice (SCQF Level 9)
- BA Childhood Practice or BA Early Years
These pathways meet the SSSC registration requirements for Lead Practitioner or Manager level roles within the Early Learning and Childcare sector.
