This course will prepare you for employment by giving you the essentials skills, knowledge and understanding of current workplace practice, legislations, policies and frameworks required to work within in a childhood practice setting.
Upon completion, candidates are eligible to register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) at practitioner level. This course provides a great opportunity to gain a nationally and professionally recognised group award.
In-depth understanding of:
A mandatory placement opportunity will be provided to students who demonstrate appropriate skills and values required in a real working environment. During work placement, students are required to work alongside the placement team and gather evidence for the SVQ units, and other workplace related units.
Everything you need to know before applying to this course.
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If English is not your first language, we will ask you to provide evidence of your English language skills as part of the application process. For this particular course, the English language requirements are:
HNC Childhood Practice (SCQF Level 7)
If you are studying a full-time advanced course (HNC, HND or above), you may be entitled to funding.
You can apply for a full-time course online or using a paper form.
Open Days are a great way to find out more about this course and what it’s like to study at NESCol. You will see facilities, meet lecturers and get a feel for life as a student.
Our next Open Day will take place on 15 March 2025.
NESCol can provide extra support to students who have additional support needs, including:
You may be eligible for additional funding to support the cost of living, including travel costs, cost of materials, and childcare.
Find out more about the types of funding and whether you are eligible here
This course is a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programme. This means that you are required to have access to your own laptop computer, netbook or similar device in class each day that you are in college.
If you do not already own a suitable device you can apply for a student loan from SAAS, if eligible, to fund the cost of purchasing a device.
Whether you wish to progress in your studies or enter the world of work, North East Scotland College has excellent progression opportunities, with links to several universities across Scotland and strong relationships with industry employers.
Our university partnerships ensure a smooth progression to further study. Subject to meeting conditions, entry to the following degrees may be possible after completing this course:
Employment opportunities are commonly available in an early years setting and will include roles such as:
“Studying at NESCol has pushed me out of my comfort zone and has made me the person I am today. I have had great experiences and the opportunity to apply my knowledge in childcare settings, which has made my learning more meaningful.”
“I would highly recommend NESCol to anyone thinking about returning to education. As a mature student, I have been supported in many ways and had a great College experience, even with the challenges I’ve faced.”
“I would definitely recommend studying at NESCol. The College environment is welcoming, and the community is diverse with different cultures and ages.”
“NESCol is a great place to learn, especially if you have a gap in your education. The lecturers go above and beyond to help students achieve their qualifications and dreams.”
“Starting College as a mature student was quite daunting at first but I can honestly say I’ve never looked back. ” – Katie McCafferty
“It was a lot of hard work but it genuinely just felt like it was where I was meant to be.” – Mandy Mackintosh
“My time at NESCol was a hugely positive experience – both in terms of my qualification and the knowledge, understanding and perspective I gained and the social connections I have made.”
“I want to let people know if they are a bit scared or worried about going to college, there’s so much help and support available. It’s a really nice place to study. It will be so worthwhile – I’m so happy I did it.”
“It has definitely been the hardest and most challenging two years of my life but also the most rewarding in so many ways. I’ve even gained a new group of friends in my classmates – we still keep in touch after finishing the course in the summer.”
“To advance my career I had the choice of a PDA or to go down the degree route and I knew from the outset that my learning style was better suited to the PDA option.”
“I started out as the lunch lady at one nursery and now I am the Manager of Peek-a-Boo nursery. I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship – I would do it again.”
North East Scotland College offers hundreds of courses each year, apply for one now.
You can apply for a place on this course by completing an online application form, which you can access using the ‘Apply Online’ button. Once completed, this will be received by our Admissions Team who will then process your application.
Completed forms should be signed and returned to us at the following freepost address:
The Student Information & Admissions Manager
North East Scotland College
FREEPOST RTJJ-TXBA-AEZS
Aberdeen City Campus
Gallowgate
Aberdeen
Scotland
UK AB25 1BN
If you take up a place on a College course, at the start of the course you will be asked to complete an enrolment form. In completing the form and/or taking up a place on a College course, you will enter into a contract with the College and be bound by the North East Scotland College Standard Terms and Conditions of Study. Copies of the Terms and Conditions are available for inspection on notice boards and at various locations throughout the College, at the College Reception, on the College website: nescol.ac.uk, or can be obtained on request from the Student Funding and Admissions Manager, North East Scotland College, Aberdeen City Campus, Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1BN. Please note that courses are offered subject to (a) there being sufficient numbers of enrolments and (b) the availability of resources. The College reserves its right (i) not to run courses where the number of students is considered insufficient or where resources are unavailable and (ii) in certain circumstances, to refuse admission to an individual applicant.
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