NC (SCQF Level 6)

Childhood Practice

Build on your existing knowledge and skills in education and childcare in preparation for further study or employment.

NC (SCQF Level 6)

Childhood Practice

Build on your existing knowledge and skills in education and childcare in preparation for further study or employment.

Qualification

NC (SCQF Level 6)

Interests

Care

Why take this course?

Following on from SCQF Level 5 Childcare & Development, this course allows you to further develop your knowledge and understanding of the early years and childcare sector.

It includes a mandatory placement opportunity for students who demonstrate the appropriate skills and values. Upon completion, you will be eligible to register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) at support worker level.

If you wish to continue studying Childhood Practice at HNC level, this course will help you build a solid foundation of the underpinning knowledge required.

What you will experience

How children develop
How adults can meet the needs of children
How to plan effective play and learning opportunities
How to promote children’s rights and entitlements

Key Facts

Everything you need to know before applying to this course.

Entry requirements

National 5 – 4 passes at grade B or above including English (course level, not units)

Completion of a relevant SCQF Level 5 course e.g. Childcare & Development
Evidence of volunteering or placement is preferable – ideally within an early years or childcare environment (normally 40 hours)
Other relevant qualifications and experience may be considered but the ability to work at SCQF Level 5 is essential
A clear PVG disclosure is required prior to placement allocation, organised by the College.

What you will get

NC Early Education & Childcare (SCQF Level 6)

English language requirements

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:

A strong B2 – C1 score is required for the College English Language test in all four disciplines (writing, reading, speaking and listening).
A minimum of 174 is required in the Cambridge English: First exam.
A score of 5.5 – 6.0 and higher is required for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) in all four disciplines (writing, reading, speaking and listening).

How do I pay for this course?

If you are studying a full-time non-advanced course (below HNC level), you may be entitled to funding.

See your options here

How to apply to NESCol

You can apply for a full-time course online or using a paper form.

See more information about the application process here

Open Days

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 30 November 2024, register your interest.

Be among the first to apply when applications open on 30 November for full-time courses starting in summer 2025.

Do you need extra support?

NESCol can provide extra support to students who have additional support needs, including:

learning difficulties or disabilities
physical or sensory disabilities
mental health and wellbeing concerns
are care experienced or young carers

Find out more about how to access this support here

How do I cover the cost of living?

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

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

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.

Find out more about BYOD here

This may be funded or part-funded by a bursary, if you are eligible to receive one.

Find out more about bursaries here

College transport to Fraserburgh

You may be eligible for College transport to Fraserburgh Campus from a number of locations. Please contact collegetransport@nescol.ac.uk for more information.

View the bus timetable here

Opportunities

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 eight universities across Scotland and great relationships with industry employers.

Education at NESCol

On successful completion of this course, you may progress to the following courses at North East Scotland College:

Childhood Practice - HNC (SCQF Level 7)

University

You would need to undertake further study at HNC level to progress to a range of university degrees.

Employment

Common employment opportunities in the early years and childcare sector include:

Early Years Support Worker
Playworker
Nursery Manager
Childhood Practitioner/ Early Years Practitioner

Student Stories

Diana Barkauskyte

Care

HNC Childhood Practice

“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.”

Victoria Grover

Care

HNC Social Services

“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.”

Shania Thom

Care

HNC Childhood Practice

“I would definitely recommend studying at NESCol. The College environment is welcoming, and the community is diverse with different cultures and ages.”

Kamila Kolmetz

Care

Allied Health Professions (SWAP)

“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.”

Katie McCafferty & Mandy Mackintosh

Care

HNC Childhood Practice

“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

Callum Gerrie

Care

HNC Social Services

“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.”

Haley Robertson

Care

HNC Social Services

“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.”

Samantha Ross

Care

PDA Childhood Practice

“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.”

Amanda Smith

Care

PDA Childhood Practice

“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.”

Jennifer Taylor

Care

Social Services Children and Young People, SCQF Level 7

“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.”

Applications

North East Scotland College offers hundreds of courses each year, apply for one now.

Currently unavailable

This course is currently unavailable for booking. Why not join our mailing list to be the first to know when bookings re-open? Don’t worry – you can choose to only hear about part-time, full-time or distance learning courses and we’ll only be in touch when we’ve got something important to tell you. Alternatively, you can browse our distance learning courses and start learning straight away!

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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Qualification

Interests

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Why take this course?

What you will experience

Key Facts

Entry requirements

What you will get

English language requirements

How do I pay for this course?

How to apply to NESCol

Open Days

Do you need extra support?

How do I cover the cost of living?

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

College transport to Fraserburgh

Opportunities

Education at NESCol

University

Employment

Student Stories

Diana Barkauskyte

Care

HNC Childhood Practice

Victoria Grover

Care

HNC Social Services

Shania Thom

Care

HNC Childhood Practice

Kamila Kolmetz

Care

Allied Health Professions (SWAP)

Katie McCafferty & Mandy Mackintosh

Care

HNC Childhood Practice

Callum Gerrie

Care

HNC Social Services

Haley Robertson

Care

HNC Social Services

Samantha Ross

Care

PDA Childhood Practice

Amanda Smith

Care

PDA Childhood Practice

Jennifer Taylor

Care

Social Services Children and Young People, SCQF Level 7

Applications

Currently unavailable

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