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Certificate: First Steps to a Career in Childcare including National 4: Early Learning and Childcare – Skills for Work

Do you dream of working with children but don't know where to start? This course is for you if you have limited experience of working with children and of academic study, but wish to develop the skills to progress within the field of childhood studies. You will develop the knowledge to organise a safe environment for children and to plan for play experiences. You will also gain a solid introduction to child development and learn how to care for a child’s needs, whilst developing the skills for further study.

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Level:

Broadly comparable to SCQF Level 4

Study Mode:

  • Full time

Location:

  • Glenrothes

Start Date:

Aug 2025

Duration:

  • One year full-time

What skills will I learn?

  • Team work
  • Organisational skills
  • Good communication skills
  • Confidence
  • Resilience

What will I study?

  • A career in early learning and child care involves working with pre-school and school age children often in a play group, out of school care, nursery or crèche setting
  • This course provides an introduction to working with children and develops the skills, values required to study within the field of childcare

Some of the units you will study include:

  • Working in early learning and childcare
  • Child development
  • Play in early learning and childcare
  • Care of children
  • Maintenance of a safe environment for children
  • History of childcare
  • Promote the safeguarding of children and young people
  • The Core Skills of ICT, numeracy and communication will be developed and certificated on this course

You will take part in activities in and out of the classroom, including activities outdoors

Application Information

What further study options are available?

  • Intermediate Certificate: Childhood Studies SCQF Level 5
  • National Certificate: Health and Social Care SCQF Level 5

What career opportunities are there?

  • Employment in the child, health and social care sector or further study and completion of registered childcare qualifications.

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Preparation for Early Learning and Childcare incorporating National 5 Early Learning and Childcare Intermediate Certificate

This short and fast paced course is for you if you already have some experience of working with children and young people and/or have a certificated academic qualification at SCQF level 4 or above. This SCQF Level 5 course combines theory and hypothetical practical experiences for working with children and young people, allowing you to develop an awareness and understanding of all aspects of children’s growth, development and the importance of play, well-being and families.