NC Early Education and Childcare

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This NC in Early Education and Childcare at SCQF level 6 has been designed to replace college devised programmes. It belongs to a suite of Early Education and Childcare qualifications, which have been revised in the light of the changing nature of the sector and this NC reflects the importance of relating theory to practice.

The wide range of options, including external assessment Units, Core Skills and general and specific Early Education and Childcare Units will allow centres to tailor the NC to meet the needs of local employers.

The NC will prepare candidates for entry to further qualifications such as the HNC in Early Education and Childcare or for employment within the sector.

National Certificates (NCs) are designed for full-time delivery over one year (or part-time over two years) and are available through schools, colleges and training providers.

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Why deliver this qualification

The role of the support worker in Early Education and Childcare has developed significantly as the sector has expanded, particularly in the voluntary and private sector. This NC will allow the candidate to register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) at support worker level. As part of the regulatory requirements, support workers will be required to undergo continuous professional development and the component Units from this NC are suitable for this purpose.

This NC provides the flexibility which is valued by candidates and centres and reflects the importance of relating theory to practice.

This qualification will form an important part of the national provision, both for those who have identified the field of Early Education and Childcare as their chosen career path and also for any candidates following a programme of study at Higher level who may wish to extend their educational experience.

Who does this qualification suit

This qualification suits a wide range of candidates.

It is ideally suited for:

  • school leavers
  • adult returners
  • those in employment in the Early Education and Childcare sector as a basis for building on good practice, continuing professional development
  • those who wish to progress to further study.

Candidates will be given a work placement in the early education and childcare sector gives the skills required by the sector.

Achievement is nationally recognised and certificated.

Successful completion will allow the candidate to register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) at support worker level.

Access

Entry is at the discretion of the centre. However, it is recommended that candidates have four Standard Grades at Credit level or equivalent and skills in oral and written communication. Consideration should also be given to candidates with relevant experience.
 

Progression

Candidates could progress to the HNC in Early Education and Childcare. In determining the structure of the Group Award, careful consideration has been given to candidate progression, either into employment or further study, and it is likely that centres will consider the content of the HNC and local employment requirements when considering the choice of optional Units.

The completion of this NC will allow candidates to register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) at support worker level.

As part of the regulatory requirements, support workers will be required to undergo continuous professional development and the component Units from this NC are suitable for this purpose.

Approval

Centres with devolved authority would be eligible to seek approval through their own internal approval process.

Centres without devolved authority will need to follow the normal SQA approval process and should contact the Business Development team for guidance in completing the combined CA1/SA1 form.

It is recommended that teachers/lecturers have suitable qualifications in the appropriate areas of childcare. There are a variety of qualifications which are deemed suitable for assessing in this area. These include:

  • Social Sciences degree
  • Diploma in Social Work
  • Primary Education degree or diploma
  • Nursery Nurse qualification

How to assess

How to assess

Each individual Unit specification gives detailed information on the evidence requirements and approaches to assessment. There is no external assessment for the NC but externally assessed courses are available as options within the framework.

Funding

The NC in Early Education and Childcare may attract Local Authority funding for the candidate (bursary).

Any other information

Support materials are available from Scotland’s Colleges’ website for the following mandatory and optional Units.

  • Children’s Development: Birth to 12 Years
  • Development Theory in Early Education and Childcare
  • Holistic Approaches to Child Health
  • Play in Early Education and Childcare
  • Supporting Children’s Rights and Entitlements
  • Supporting Children’s Behaviour
  • Developing an Understanding of Working with Children

National Certificate Group Award units

Qualification content and delivery tools

Qualification structure

Group Award Code: G8K1 46 (72 SCQF credit points)
SCQF level: 6

NC Early Education and Childcare at SCQF Level 6

Course Overview and Skills Development Summary - NC Early Education and Childcare (747 KB)

Seven mandatory Units (54 SCQF credit points)

Unit Code Unit Title SQA Credit Value SQCF Points
DM3X 12 Child Development: Birth to 12 Years 1 6
DM3Y 12 Developmental Theory in Early Education and Childcare 1 6
DM40 12 Holistic Approaches to Child Health 1 6
DM41 12 Play in Early Education and Childcare 1 6
DM5L 12 Developing an Understanding of Working with Children 1 6
DM42 12 Play in Practice 2 12
DM5M 12 Developing an Understanding of Working with Children: Workplace Experience 2 12

Optional Units — 3 credits from:

Unit Code Unit Title SQA Credit Value SQCF Points
DM5J 12 Supporting Children’s Rights and Entitlements 1 6
DM5K 12 Supporting Children’s Behaviour 1 6
DM5N 12 Experiential Approaches to Early Education and Childcare 2 12
DM5P 11 Prevention of Infection 1 6
F19M 11 First Aid 1 6
DM5T 12 HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Infections 1 6
DM5V 11 Maintenance of a Safe Environment for Children 1 6
DM5W 11 Partnerships in Early Education and Childcare 1 6
F19L 11 Child Development and Health 1 6
DM5Y 11 Creative and Aesthetic Experiences for Children 1 6
DM60 11 Care and Feeding of Children 1 6
DM61 12 Supporting the Care and Feeding of Babies 1 6
DM62 12 Supporting the Care and Feeding of Babies: Workplace Experience 1 6
F7J4 12 Supporting Language, Literacy and Numeracy in an Educational Setting 1 6
DM64 12 Supporting ICT in an Early Education and Childcare Setting 1 6
DM65 11

Supporting Children with Additional Support Needs

 1 6
DM66 12 Supporting a Curriculum in an Early Education and Childcare Setting 1 6
DM67 12 Supporting a Curriculum in an Early Education and Childcare Setting: Workplace Experience 1 6
DM68 12 Supporting Playwork Practice 1 6
DM69 12 Supporting Playwork Practice: Workplace Experience 1 6
External Assessment Credits
X215 12 Early Education and Childcare 1 6
X06L 12 Play in Early Education and Childcare 1 6
Core Skills Credits
X06L 12 Communication (Core Skill) 1 6
F3GF 11 Numeracy 1 6
F3GC 11 Information and Communication Technology 1 6

Assessment Support Packs

National Assessment Banks (NABs) are available to download from SQA’s website for all mandatory and optional Units.

Formative e-assessments have been developed through the TranSETT project for:

  • Child Development: Birth to 12 Years (DM3X 12)
  • Developmental Theory in Early Education and Childcare (DM3Y 12)
  • Holistic Approaches to Child Health (DM40 12)
  • First Aid (F19M 11)

Qualification Verification Summary Report