Overview
This course is for individuals interested in a career in the early education and childcare field or for those wishing to pursue further study for example, within Primary Education or Childhood Practice.
The course is approved by the Scottish Social Services Council as a suitable qualification for registration as a Child Development Officer.
The main aim of the HNC is to provide an integrated course of values, skills and knowledge to equip candidates to work effectively within an early education and childcare settings. The specific aims will enable you to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the values and principles which underpin work in social services: childhood practice settings.
- Understand how the National Care Standards and SSSC Codes of Practice inform their working practices.
- Integrate knowledge, theory and practice effectively in a variety of childhood practice settings.
- Develop skills appropriate for working with a range of individuals in childhood practice settings.
- Have an individual and person centred focus in their practice.
- Practice in an anti-discriminatory manner.
- Prepare learners for employment in a childhood practice and to develop the skills of existing workers.
- Critically evaluate their practice and to be reflective practitioners.
- Develop a working knowledge of current legislation, policy, guidance and practice methods.
- Engage in continuous professional development.
- Facilitate progression (for those who wish) to higher education.
The structure of the course includes lectures, research tasks, presentations and group discussions. This is an interactive course that includes blended learning and encourages your active participation. Industry experts will be invited to speak with student groups. The staff group consists of lecturers from a variety of early education, health and social care backgrounds.
HNC Childhood Practice part-time students will complete a minimum of one day per week on placement throughout the duration of the course to allow development of experience and completion of three SVQ3 units.
Please Note
- The cost shown is for Year 1 only.
- The course will run on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6pm - 9pm.
- This course is placed on the Scottish Credit Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Minimum entry requirements
- Two Highers at Grade C or above, preferably including English; OR
- NC Early Education and Childcare Level 6.
- Equivalent qualifications such as SVQ3 will be considered.
Additional selection requirements
- Experience within early education – voluntary or employed – would be extremely beneficial.
- You'll be invited for an interview where there will be the opportunity to find out more about the course and tell us why you're interested in this subject area.
- You'll also need to provide a reference from your most recent educational provider (if you're in education) or employer.
- Please note, for a number of the articulation options, Level 5 Maths is required. This is offered by City of Glasgow College as Lifeskills Maths.
What you study
Units you'll cover on the course include: -
- Care in Contemporary Society.
- Leadership Starts with Me.
- Lifespan Development Theoretical Approaches.
- Health, Wellbeing and Safeguarding.
- Support for Play Learning and Development.
A range of other units is also included to meet the requirements of the award.
After the course
This award prepares you for employment within the early education and childcare field.
Continuing Study
On successful completion, you can progress to degree programmes in the Early Education sector such as BA Childhood Studies/Childhood Practice at the University of the West of Scotland or BA in Primary Education at the University of Strathclyde as well as other universities across Scotland.
How the course is taught
The course will be taught on a Friday for two academic years, August to June.