Childhood Practice 2018 - 2019

For the future you want

CHILDHOOD PRACTICEWith nearly 500 full-time students and a further 200 students studying professional qualifications in the workplace, Childhood Practice is a busy and vibrant area of the college. We have around 25 members of staff in our team including workplace coordinators, study coaches and support staff.

Work placements and work experience are key to our delivery and all students will experience real-life work activities. Students working on National Certificate (SCQF Level 6) or Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7) will have work placements as an integral part of their course.

We currently have around 270+ students getting ready to go into placement. We have a further 150 students working on qualifications and programmes to prepare them for the world of work.

WORK EXPERIENCE AND PLACEMENTS

PARTNERS

The Scottish Government is committed to increasing early learning and childcare provision (ELC) by 2020. Edinburgh College is supporting this initiative by offering high quality training in childcare at all levels and for all types of learners.

Early Education and Childcare offers an excellent career opportunity and is one of the largest departments at Edinburgh College.

We offer full-time or part-time options from entry to degree level. Our courses have an emphasis on practical work and you will learn about all aspects of childcare and play work. You can undertake study in areas such as children’s rights, play, child development, safeguarding of children, and

health and wellbeing. You will learn both in and out of the classroom with most of our courses including placements in school, nursery or other childhood settings. You will be taught by a team who have a wide variety of knowledge and experience in the field of early education, childcare and play work.

The majority of our courses meet requirements set out by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC). This ensures that you can register at the right level to work in the sector, from practitioner to manager. We offer training programmes for employed practitioners who can join us for a range of CPD courses to increase their qualification levels to develop their career.

I study HNC Childhood Practice, and I like that on my course we

can learn both in college and in our work placement. When we finish our course we will be qualified practitioners, and we will have gained knowledge that can be applied to our new jobs. Or, if we decide to continue on with further education, we will be able to build on what we already know. Ultimately, we will have experience that will help us to access employment.

The class has a large amount of students which means I get the chance to meet and work with a variety of individuals. The lecturers are lovely and very knowledgeable. The subjects are fascinating.

I am planning on continuing with my education all the way up to degree level. I would like to one day run my own after school club or become a lecturer as I thoroughly enjoy teaching others.

SPOTLIGHTCHRISTOPHER DIAZ

FACILITIESWe deliver childcare courses across 3 campuses – Granton, Sighthill and Midlothian where we have specialist childhood areas, facilities and equipment. Students can participate in practical activities as well as more traditional theory based subjects with online learning and e-based learning becoming more popular.

In addition to classroom learning, each campus takes advantage of its unique location and many of our lessons and practical activities feature the world of outdoor play.

Career Coach is an online career and course matching portal which enables users to make informed course and career choices. The system uses live data from a range of economic and government sources to provide up to date information on employment opportunities, pay scales, current

of Playworkers are expected to retire in the next 10 years.

9%

is the average salary per year for a Nursery Nurse or Assistant.

£20k Employment in this sector is expected to grow by

over the next 4 years. 5%

Nursery Nurses and Assistants are employed in Edinburgh.

1,972 HNC Childhood Practice is a very interesting course that involves different units that focus on a variety of needs for children and young people. There

are many chances to give opinions and thoughts, as well as opportunities to think independently and creatively.

I would like to take the skills and knowledge from my course to become a nursery nurse. By doing this I would like to put all aspects of the HNC Childhood Practice into a working environment with children.

AMY DICKSON

CAREER COACHONLINE CAREERS ADVISOR

vacancies ad the outlook for future opportunities in the region.

Find out more about your chosen career at edinburghcollege.ac.uk/schools/ career-coach

I work as a centre manager at Midlothian

Sure Start, a voluntary organisation with charitable status, which aims to give young children from pre-birth to 11 years the best possible start in life. I’m studying Childhood Practice PDA Level 9 as part of my professional development and I’m learning skills which will enable me to help shape children’s futures.

Working with children can be the most rewarding job in the world. No two days are the same and no two children are the same. Each day you’re helping to develop their young minds and are making an important and lasting difference to their future – childcare is so much more than just playing with play dough and finger painting!

After finishing my Music degree I tried a number of jobs in different industries but found my passion for childcare and

early learning while working in a crèche. Having an opportunity to develop and guide children at a time when their brains are developing faster than they ever will again is a huge and rewarding responsibility; it’s all about connecting with the children and encouraging them to flourish.

My role as a manager means I am responsible for the development, management and quality of the childcare we provide. The course spans all aspects of early learning and childcare and gives me a chance to study while working, and to learn from peers who work in the industry as well as the knowledgeable and experienced lecturers.

It is the type of job you don’t mind getting out of bed in a morning for - in fact I look forward to getting out of bed and to seeing what the day will bring.

SPOTLIGHTGAVIN BURNS - CHILDHOOD PRACTICE PDA SCQF LEVEL 9

After studying Music at university, Childhood Practice PDA SCQF Level 9 student Gavin explored a range of different careers before finding his calling in childcare and early learning.

Level 5Equivalent toNati onal 5

Level 6Equivalent toHighers

Level 7Equivalent toAdvanced Higher

Level 4Equivalent toNati onal 4

CHILDHOOD PRACTICECOURSE PROGRESSION

Childcare and Play: Second Steps

Childcare and Play: First Steps

Early Educati on and Childcare NC

Childhood Practi ce: Level 5

Educati on Support Assistance PDA

Childhood Practi ce Access to HN

Play and Child Development (SCP)

Childhood Practi ce

Level 8 Level 9 Arti culati onLevel 6Equivalent toHighers

Level 7Equivalent toAdvanced Higher

CHILDHOOD PRACTICECOURSE PROGRESSION

Apply for registrati on with the SSSC as a practi ti onerUniversity or employment

Apply for registrati on with the SSSC as a practi ti onerUniversity or employment

Lead Practi ti oner/Manager

Early Educati on and Childcare NC

Childhood Practi ce HNC

PlayworkSVQ Level 3

PlayworkSVQ Level 4

Childhood Practi ce at SCQF Level 8

Childhood Practi ce PDA at SCQF Level 9

Educati on Support Assistance PDA

Childhood Practi ce Access to HN

Arti culati on to University

Indirect Progression

Direct Progression

Schools College Partnership

Lead Practitioners and Managers of Childcare and Playwork Settings

Practitioners

Apply now: edinburghcollege.ac.ukUsing our course guide

Use Career Coach to fi nd the right course to get to your

perfect career.

This course guide gives you an overview of the courses available to study in 2018/19 - MAKING YOUR COURSE CHOICE AS EASY AS POSSIBLE!

Courses have clear progression routes onto other college courses, university or employment.

Apply online or contact our course informati on advisors on 0131 660 1010or courseinfo@edinburghcollege.ac.uk.

Course Name: As it appears on the website I G F 8

Course Descripti on: Brief outline of the course. Visit our website for more informati on.

Course entry requirements: Entry requirements stated are minimum requirements and may be subject to alterati on. Please check the website for full entry requirements.

CampusG: GrantonMD: Midlothian

MR: Milton RoadS: Sighthill

Mode of att endanceF: Full ti meP: Part ti me

E: EveningO: Open Learning

SCQF levelWhat level the course is listed as on the Scotti sh Credit and Qualifi cati ons Framework.

I: The course is open to applicati ons from internati onal students.

IELTS = The Internati onal English Language Testi ng System

Childhood Practice PDA at SCQF Level 9 G P 9

The Professional Development Award (PDA) at SCQF Level 9 has been developed by SQA in partnership with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) as a recognised qualification. It is for those who are already in employment as a lead practitioner or manager in a play work or childcare setting.

Applicants must currently be employed in the childhood practice industry in a senior role. 240 credits at SCQF Level 7 & 8.

Playwork SVQ Level 4 G P 8

This is a vocational qualification for those already employed in a play work setting in a supervisory role. This course can be used as a progression toward the PDA Childhood Practice at SCQF Level 9.

SVQ 3 in Play work or Child Care Learning and Development. HNC Early Education and Childcare or equivalent. Currently employed in the play work or childcare industry in a supervisory role.

Childhood Practice at SCQF Level 8 G P 8

This course is for people interested in a career in early education, childcare or playwork, and is for those wishing to gain additional credits towards the PDA Childhood Practice at SCQF 9. The course is made up of PDA Childhood Practice at SCQF 8 plus additional units to offer a total of 120 credits over 2 years.

Applicants should have an award accepted by the SSSC to register as a practitioner (for example HNC Childhood Practice, SVQ 3 Social Services (Children and Young People), SVQ 3 Playwork). You should also have been working in the childhood practice sector for at least 1 year.

Childhood Practice HNC G MD S F 7

This full-time course will provide you with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience required for a career in early education or play work. You will attend a minimum of two different placements which will give you valuable experience of working with children.

Higher English and one other Higher or NC SCQF Level 6, or SVQ 2 Children Care Learning and Development/Social Services Children and Young People, or significant experience of working with children.

Apply now: edinburghcollege.ac.ukChildhood Practice

Practitioners

Education Support Workers

Support Workers

Access

Childhood Practice HNC (evening) MD E 7

This weekly evening course delivered over two years is ideal if you are employed in a childcare setting and want to gain further knowledge and experience to develop your career.

Higher English and one other Higher or NC at SCQF Level 6 or SVQ 2 Child Care Learning and Development/Social Services Children and Young People. Relevant work experience will be taken into account. You must complete a successful interview.

Playwork SVQ Level 3 G P 7

This part-time course is designed for those already working in a play setting and who wish to register as a practitioner with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC). You will be assigned an individual assessor who will observe and support you.

SVQ 2 in Play work or Child Care Learning and Development. NPA Play work and Childcare or equivalent. Currently employed in the play work or childcare industry.

Access to HNC Childhood Practice G P 6

This course is aimed at mature learners who are looking to change their career to one working with children, but who don’t yet have the entry requirements for an HNC Early Education and Childcare course.

National 5 English and one other National 5. Relevant work experience/qualifications will be taken into account.

Early Education and Childcare NC G MD S F 6

This course will give you a foundation in working with children and young people. Successful completion of this course will enable you to seek employment and register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) as a support worker. The course includes practical work experience in two different childcare settings.

3 National 5s or equivalent one of which should be English. Relevant work experience/volunteering will be taken into account.

Childhood Practice: Level 5 G MD S F 5

This full-time Childhood Practice course is a progression route onto other more advanced childcare courses at Edinburgh College.

Academic qualifications at SCQF Level 4 or above and/or progressing on from Childhood Practice: First Steps or Second Steps. Previous experience will be taken into account and work experience in a childcare setting is desirable.

Childcare and Play: Second Steps G MD S F 4

This Childcare: Second Steps course is designed for adults, mature applicants and those wishing to return to formal education and gain recognised qualifications. This course is a progression route onto Childcare Practice: Level 5. School leavers and young people should apply for Childcare and Play: First Steps.

This course is aimed at mature applicants without formal qualifications. This is a short full-time course which runs for 18 weeks (with about 16 hours per week in college plus a 3 hour per week self-study allocation).

Education Support Assistance PDA MD S F P 6

This course is designed for those seeking employment as a pupil support assistant in a school setting. There will be practical work experience in a primary school.

National 5s in English and Mathematics or equivalent. Relevant work experience/volunteering will be taken into account.

Apply now: edinburghcollege.ac.ukChildhood Practice

Access

Schools College Partnership (SCP)

Childcare and Play: First Steps G MD S F 4

This course is designed for school leavers and young people. This is a entry-level course and covers skills and knowledge related to working in a range of childcare professions, and is a progression route onto our Second Steps course. Adults/mature applicants or those wishing to return to formal education should apply for Childcare and Play: Second Steps.

This course is aimed at applicants without formal qualifications. This is a short full-time course which runs for 18 weeks (with about 16 hours per week in college plus a 3 hour per week self-study allocation).

Play and Child Development (SCP) MD G P 4

This course will introduce you to the skills that are required for working with children or studying childcare or social care after you leave school.

You must be in full-time secondary education in order to apply for this course. Each applicant will be interviewed and asked to demonstrate an interest in working with young children.

Edinburgh College is a registered charity in Scotland. Charity number SCO21213

For up-to-date informati on on our course selecti on or to speak to an advisor please call 0131 669 4400.

Our course portf olio, mode of att endance and campus allocati on may be subject to alterati on.

For the future you want

For more informati on please visit: edinburghcollege.ac.uk/coursesor call 0131 669 4400

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Childhood Practice 2018 - 2019