Childhood Practice - Next Gen: HNC

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.

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 Applicants must be 16 years or older at the start of the course.

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

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.