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Childhood Practice - Next Gen: HNC

A vibrant snapshot of Glasgow Kelvin College students working together, sharing thoughts and smiles in a supportive classroom setting.
Qualification Qualifications Explained
HNC
Study Mode
Full Time
Duration

1 Year - 4 Days p/w
Start date
Aug 2026
Campus
Springburn, Easterhouse
Apply now

Course overview

Inspire, nurture, and make a difference in the lives of young children.

The HNC Childhood Practice: Next Gen is a refreshed and future-focused qualification designed to prepare you for a rewarding career as a Child Development Officer. This nationally recognised qualification combines academic theory with essential hands-on experience, giving you the confidence and professional grounding to work effectively in the Early Learning and Childcare sector.

You’ll explore the principles, values, and practices that shape high-quality early years education — including child development, pedagogy, safeguarding, outdoor learning, and inclusive practice.

As part of the programme, you’ll complete a work placement for two days each week in an Early Years establishment, ensuring an ideal balance between classroom learning and real-world application. There may also be an opportunity to undertake a primary school placement, ideal for learners planning to progress to university teacher education routes.

Delivered by experienced practitioners with strong industry links, this course reflects the next generation of professional standards in childcare and early education.

This course is perfect for:

  • Learners who want to become qualified practitioners in Early Learning and Childcare.
  • Those currently working or volunteering with children and wishing to gain a formal qualification.
  • Learners planning to progress to university-level teacher education or advanced childcare studies.
  • Individuals passionate about supporting young children’s growth, wellbeing, and learning through reflective and inclusive practice.

What you will learn

You’ll study an integrated programme that blends theoretical learning, reflective practice, and workplace experience, preparing you for the realities of working with children and families.

Core areas include:

  • Pedagogy in Practice (J6E5 47) – explore effective approaches to learning, teaching and child-centred practice.
  • Health, Safeguarding, Welfare and Rights (J6E3 47) – understand how to protect and promote children’s wellbeing and rights.
  • Developing Reflective Practice (J6E4 47) – strengthen your ability to evaluate and improve your own professional practice.
  • Additional Support Needs: Positive Supporting Strategies (J8G8 47) – develop inclusive and nurturing approaches to working with children and young people.
  • Outdoor Learning and Sustainability (J7DD 47) – discover how outdoor environments foster play, curiosity and environmental awareness.

You’ll also complete three SVQ workplace units:

  • Promote Effective Communication (H5LC 04)
  • Promote Health, Safety and Security (H5LD 04)
  • Develop Your Practice Through Reflection (H5LE 04)

By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped with the practical, professional and reflective skills to work confidently in early education settings or to progress to advanced study.

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

✅ One of the following qualifications (or equivalent):

  • NC Early Education and Childcare (Level 6)
  • SVQ Level 2 Children’s Care, Learning and Development
  • SVQ Level 2 Social Services (Children and Young People)
  • SVQ Level 2 Playwork

✅ Direct entrants with two Highers at Grade C or above (to include English) will be considered.

Direct entrants must provide evidence of at least 6–12 months of experience working with Early Years children, detailed within their personal statement.

✅ You will be required to join the PVG scheme administered by Disclosure Scotland before undertaking work placement.

If you have any recorded offences, these must be discussed confidentially at your interview.

✅ Interview and Selection Process:

  • You will be invited for an interview to discuss your experience and interest in the profession.
  • You will complete a written task as part of the interview process.
  • You must provide two references, one of which should be from your most recent educational provider or employer.
  • Please bring proof of your qualifications if invited for interview.

These requirements ensure applicants have the professionalism, motivation and understanding necessary for working within early education and childcare settings.

ℹ️ Due to Health & Safety, Awarding Bodies stipulations or Legislation set by Governing Bodies - you must be 16 years old at the start of this course.

ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language

  • 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

Graduates can progress into roles such as:

🌿 Child Development Officer

🏫 Early Years Practitioner

👶 Nursery Assistant

🎨 Early Learning Support Worker

Employment may be found in early education centres, private nurseries, schools, and other childcare settings.

On successful completion, you will be eligible to register as a practitioner with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).

Future prospects

Progression routes include:

  • HND Additional Support Needs
  • PDA Childhood Practice (Level 8 or 9)
  • BA Childhood Studies or BA Childhood Practice
  • BA/Diploma in Education or Education and Social Services
  • BA/BEd (Hons) Primary Education
  • SVQ Level 4 Social Services (Children and Young People)

This qualification opens doors to higher study and leadership roles within early education and care.

Other Courses You Might Consider

Find out about our Childcare and Early Education 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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