Pathway to Early Learning and Childcare (NQ) @ SCQF Level 5

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Introduction

If you are considering a career working with children, this is an ideal introductory programme to develop the knowledge, skills, and qualities that you will need to launch your journey into an exciting career pathway.

Successful completion of the programme provides a pathway for you to:

  • Progress to a first level professional qualification such as the NC in Early Education and Childcare at SCQF level 6
  • Or seek employment as a Modern Apprentice in the sector.

Course code

S5EC

Location

Dumfries Campus

Duration

Attendance:

This is a full-time programme. You will attend class for 2.5 days per week. There are options for in person or hybrid course delivery dependent on what would suit your individual circumstances. maybe a blended approach of in person and online classes. There may be an opportunity to attend a work experience placement in addition to this time on your college course.

You must be able to attend all class lessons.

Entry Requirements

This course will be suitable for you if you are:

  • A progressing college academy student who has successfully completed our Early Learning and Childcare course at SCQF level 5 and have attained a pass in the following
  • a national 4 qualification in maths or numeracy, and English or communication at National 5 level, and one other national 5 qualification.
  • A school leaver who wishes to pursue a career in early learning and childcare and has attained national 4 qualifications in maths or numeracy, and 3 National 5 passes one of which must be in English or communication.
  • An adult returning to education who wishes to enhance your career prospects in the early years sector.

You will need to demonstrate a real interest and motivation to work with children and families in an early years’ setting.

Please make sure to answer the Supporting Information Questions on the application form, with as much detail as possible. This will demonstrate your commitment to the course.

You need to be 16 years or above by the end of September 2025.

Applications are encouraged from mature students who do not possess formal qualifications but have appropriate understanding and skills to meet the academic demands of the course.

A satisfactory Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check is also required to enable participation in placement.

Information and Interview Session Requirements

If selected, you will be asked to attend an in-person skills assessment day where you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your skills, experience, enthusiasm and suitability for this course. At the assessment day you will also be required to bring:

  • Evidence of your qualifications, employment experience, interest in the sector demonstrated in your personal statement.
  • PVG eligibility

Course Content

The course aims to give you:

  • An understanding of the responsibilities of working within the Early Years sector
  • Theoretical and underpinning knowledge that drive practices in all childcare settings. This will include child development and wellbeing and the factors that can influence these outcomes. You will learn about the importance of play in early learning and theoretical play approaches. You will also acquire practical skills of planning, implementing and reviewing quality play experiences for a range of different ages. These play experiences will involve both indoor and outdoor settings.
  • positive attitude to learning
  • flexible approaches to solving problems and developing meta skills
  • adaptability and positive attitude to change
  • confidence to set goals, reflect and learn from experience

Assessments

All topics delivered on this course are assessed. A range of assessment strategies are used throughout the course, as an example you may be asked to produce a report, or you may build up a portfolio of evidence of your work, or you may be observed carrying out a practical task.

Progression

Successful completion of the programme provides a pathway for you to

  • Progress to a first level professional qualification such as the NC in Early Education and Childcare at SCQF level 6
  • Or seek employment as a Modern Apprentice in the sector.

Career Prospects

A pass on this course may provide the opportunity to progress on to the following:

  • the NC Early Education and Childcare
  • or Vocational Studies in Childcare/Care

Further information on careers within the early learning and childcare sector can be found here

Additional funding information

You may be eligible for Bursary or EMA (Education Maintenance Allowance) funding for this course. Please contact a member of the funding team for details.

Selling Points

Work placement opportunities available in a childcare setting.

First steps entry programme to early learning and childcare.

Variety of career prospects within the sector

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