NC Childhood Practice SCQF Level 6

What is special about this course?

If you want to work with children and young people, this course could be the perfect first step.

The NC Childhood Practice course will give you a broad understanding of all aspects of child development. It can open doors to a wide range of career prospects and help you choose the right pathway for you.

You will spend a day a week in a work placement in a nursery or early years class from October until June; in addition to your 3 classroom days in college.  You'll get a truly hands-on learning experience, working with professionals to understand the links between theory and practice.

Entry requirements

Two National 5's (or equivalent), one of which should preferably be English.

Other Non-traditional qualifications alongside relevant experience, will also be considered, in particular for students wishing to take the vocational route.

If you don't meet our entry requirements, your previous experience may still qualify you for this course. Mature students will be considered on merit. Please get in touch with us to discuss how suitable this course is for you.

PVG Scheme membership is required to successfully achieve this qualification, where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in key elements of the course. For further information visit this webpage: https://www.mygov.scot/pvg-scheme

Much of your time will be spent on practical aspects of the course, such as:

• Gaining hands-on experience in real childcare settings as part of your work placement
• Learning to use crafting equipment and resources for educational purposes
• Understanding and applying health and safety regulations in childcare settings

In the classroom environment, you will:

• Explore the social aspects and current affairs related to childcare
• Learn about the legislative frameworks and best practices in childhood education
• Develop your IT skills for educational purposes and online meetings

You'll have the opportunity for personal development too and we'll support you to:

• Improve your ability to communicate effectively with children, parents and colleagues
• Collaborate effectively with your classmates, to work together on group activities
• Build your self-confidence through practical and theory based learning
• Develop empathy and the ability to adapt to various situations in childcare settings

You will study the following units:

College, in-person classes:

• Planning for Practice
• Planning for Practice: Workplace Experience
• Sociology of Childhood
• Providing an Inclusive Curriculum in Childhood Practice
• Services for Children and Young People
• Paediatric emergency first aid (short course)
• Core skills or optional units (if required)

College, live online classes:

• Child Development & Child Development (Theory)
• Protecting and Promoting the Rights of the Child
• Working with Children and Young People with Autism in an Educational Setting
• Supporting the Language, Literacy and Numeracy in Childhood Practice Setting
• Supporting the Behaviour of Children and Young People in an Educational Setting
• Elementary Food Hygiene (online) short course - not live. In study time

Equipment

Own laptop or tablet preferable.

The college can provide support and guidance around IT needs and requirements.

Fees

For finance/funding information – please refer to UHI Orkney Finance.

For course fees – please email ocrevenue@uhi.ac.uk

Funding

To discuss funding options, please e-mail ocrevenue@uhi.ac.uk or telephone Finance on 01856 569 202. For information on OIC bursary please follow this link http://www.orkney.gov.uk/our-services/education-and-learning/grants-emas-and-bursaries/bursaries/

Additional costs

For course fees - please e-mail ocrevenue@uhi.ac.uk