Early Learning and Childcare: An Introduction SCQF level 5

Early Learning and Childcare: An Introduction has been created to support Scotland’s ambitious vision to make Scotland the best place to grow up, through developing an awareness of the essential skills, knowledge and values that are required for the future Early Learning and Childcare workforce.

This award covers areas such as developing awareness of the importance of Early Learning and Childcare and promoting understanding of the professional standards, skills and qualifications required for ELC practitioners, as well as the skills and values that are essential to good care practice and will develop insight in learners who are new to childcare, giving them realistic expectations that will inform their career decisions.

The qualification is available through schools, colleges and training providers.

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Early learning and Childcare: An Introduction award at SCQF level 5 provides an excellent introduction to a career in childcare and meets the needs of induction programmes to these careers. It is also useful as a refresher and continuous professional development for more experienced staff. Successful achievement of the award provides Qualifications Scotland’s certification and should enhance employability and career prospects.

This qualification is suitable for a wide range of candidates including:

  • learners who are at school or may have just left school
  • mature candidates who may have been out of education for a long period of time
  • candidates in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects
  • employers who wish their employees to take part in short, continuing professional development courses
  • candidates who are seeking national recognition of their achievements

Access

Entry is at the discretion of the centre. No prior qualifications or knowledge are required to undertake this qualification.

The level 5 award could provide progression to:

  • other childcare qualifications
  • direct employment in the care sector

Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.

Centres without devolved authority require to come forward for approval and should contact Qualifications Scotland’s Business Development Team for guidance.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet Qualifications Scotland’s general requirements for technical/occupational competence as outlined in the Systems and Qualification Approval Guide (490 KB).

Each individual unit specification gives detailed information on the learning outcomes and assessment criteria to be achieved as well as guidance on assessment.

Qualifications Scotland has developed assessment papers and marking instructions which are stored on Qualifications Scotland’s Secure Site.

Group award code: GMTY 45

The Early Learning and Childcare: An Introduction award at SCQF level 5 consists of two mandatory units.

For details of the units making up the award, please refer to the qualification structure (182 KB).

Unit information for this qualification is available through our Unit Search.