NC Childhood Practice SCQF level 6

This National Certificate (NC) Childhood Practice provides a broad-based study of the range of topics, both theory and practice based, related to early education and childcare that are required for progression to areas of study or employment at support worker level within a childhood practice and childcare setting.

The NC in Childhood Practice at SCQF level 6 has been developed in partnership with employers and industry so it is suitable for the current sector. It will help employers meet skills gaps and provide continuing professional development for staff, while learners will gain knowledge and skills needed for progression in the workplace.

The NC is designed to develop and enhance the knowledge, skills, values and competencies for those wishing to work with, or already working with, children and young people in a childhood practice setting.

Qualification structure

Group award code: GV2M 46 (72 SCQF credit points)

SCQF level: 6

This National Certificate consists of 8 mandatory unit(s) (54 SCQF credit points) and 3 optional units (18 SCQF credit points).

Mandatory units include:

  • Planning for Practice
  • Planning for Practice: workplace experience
  • Providing an Inclusive Curriculum in a Childhood Practice Setting
  • Protecting and Promoting the Rights of the Child
  • Sociology of Childhood
  • Child Development
  • Child Development: Theory
  • Services for Children and Young People

See the group award specification (306 KB) for the full list of mandatory and optional units.

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How to assess

Each individual Unit specification gives detailed information on the evidence requirements and approaches to assessment. Each unit is assessed separately.

Deliver this qualification

Funding

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

Why study this qualification

This qualification suits a wide range of candidates.

It is ideally suited for:

  • school leavers
  • adult returners
  • those in employment in the Childhood Practice 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 Childhood Practice 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.

Employment and progression

Candidates could progress to the HNC in Childhood Practice. 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.

Qualification structure

Group award code: GV2M 46 (72 SCQF credit points)

SCQF level: 6

This National Certificate consists of 8 mandatory unit(s) (54 SCQF credit points) and 3 optional units (18 SCQF credit points).

Mandatory units include:

  • Planning for Practice
  • Planning for Practice: workplace experience
  • Providing an Inclusive Curriculum in a Childhood Practice Setting
  • Protecting and Promoting the Rights of the Child
  • Sociology of Childhood
  • Child Development
  • Child Development: Theory
  • Services for Children and Young People

See the group award specification (306 KB) for the full list of mandatory and optional units.

Unit search