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National Certificate: Childhood Practice (Formerly NC: Early Education and Childcare)

Working with young children is highly rewarding. This National Certificate in Childhood Practice course blends theory and practical experience within early education, fostering understanding of children’s development from birth to 16 years and equipping you with the skills to recognise and meet their needs effectively.

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Duration:

  • Full-time study for this programme spans one academic year. The specific days of study vary depending on the campus applied for. A key component of the programme is a mandatory work placement, running throughout the academic year, within an early years education setting. This placement provides invaluable hands-on experience, enabling students to apply their learning in real-world environments, develop practical skills, and gain a deeper understanding of early childhood education practices.
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What skills will I learn?

  • Teamwork
  • Leadership skills
  • Communication skills
  • Confidence
  • Adaptability
  • Self-awareness
  • Reflective skills
  • Resilience

What will I study?

This course is ideal for students returning to education or those progressing from our Level 5 Intermediate Certificate in Childhood Studies or School College Partnership courses. Upon successful completion of the National Certificate in Childhood Practice, you will be eligible to work with children and young people as a support worker, following registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).The course blends theoretical knowledge with practical work experience in an early years setting. You will develop a comprehensive understanding of the key aspects of caring for children and young people, including meeting their developmental needs, observing their learning, and addressing their educational requirements.
Some of the units you will study include:
  • Child development
  • Child development: theory
  • Service for Children and Young People
  • Planning for Practice
  • Supporting play work practice
  • Sociology of Childhood
  • Understanding Mental Health Issues
  • Supporting the behaviour of children and young people

You will undertake a work placement (2 days per week) throughout the academic year within a nursery and/or primary school setting. You will also complete placement block weeks (5 days per week) throughout the academic year. This will enable you to gain direct experience of working with children, helping you to link theory to practice.

Application Information

What further study options are available?

  • HNC: Childhood Practice SCQF Level 7
  • HNC: Social Services SCQF Level 7
  • HNC: Additional Support Needs: Supporting the Individual SCQF Level 7

What career opportunities are there?

  • There are many careers available including working as a Support Worker in early years settings/day care services (like nurseries), out of school care (like after school and holiday clubs), classroom assistants, childminding.

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Education Support Assistance Professional Development Award

This course is designed for those who wish to work, or are presently working, as an Education Support Assistant (sometimes known as a classroom assistant, pupil support assistant (PSA) or support for learning assistant – this covers all of these roles). Education Support Assistants are generally employed in schools to support the work of class teachers in learning activities, support Assistants are often involved in supporting and supervising tasks set by teachers to individuals and groups of pupils. This can be in primary schools, secondary schools, and sometimes in the private childcare sector.