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NextGen HNC: Childhood Practice

The HNC Childhood Practice: Next Gen is a modern qualification that prepares you for a career as a regulated SSSC Early Years Officer. It combines nationally recognised academic study with practical experience to build your skills and confidence within the Childhood Practice sector. You’ll study the core principles of high-quality early years practice which include child development, pedagogy, safeguarding and inclusion. You will complete a two-day-per-week placement in an education setting alongisde your weekly studies. This is a regulated HNC and upon completion you will be able to register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) to work within the early years sector. Progression to our HND Childhood Practice and BA Childhood Studies is also an option upon satisfactory completion.

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Level:

SCQF Level 7

Study Mode:

  • Other part-time day programme
  • Full time

Location:

  • Dunfermline
  • Glenrothes
  • Kirkcaldy
  • Virtual Campus

Start Date:

Duration:

  • Full-time study is one academic year and days of study are different depending on campus.

Who is this course for?

This course is suitable for applicants who wish to work within the childhood practice sector. It is a course that allows applicants to register with the SSSC and all applicants must abide by the standards for childhood practice and apply to hold a PVG and commit to a minimum of 60 days on placement throughout the academic year.

What skills will I learn?

You will develop the key skills needed to progress in the Childhood Practice sector. You’ll learn how to communicate well with children, families, and colleagues. You’ll build confidence in observing children and understanding their development. You’ll learn to reflect on your own practice and make improvements. You’ll strengthen your problem-solving skills and learn how to work effectively as part of a team. You’ll also develop good professional judgement, creativity, and adaptability, along with a strong understanding of pedagogy and developmental theory. These skills will support your future study and career progression.

What will I study?

Pedagogy in Practice helps you understand how to apply learning theory in real situations. Health, Safeguarding, Welfare and Rights develops your ability to keep children safe and promote their wellbeing. Developing Reflective Practice strengthens your ability to review your work and improve it over time.
Additional Support Needs teaches you how to use positive strategies to support children and young people who need extra help. Promote Effective Communication builds your confidence in communicating with children, families and colleagues. Promote Health, Safety and Security helps you maintain safe and healthy environments in the workplace.
Develop Your Practice through Reflection and Learning supports your ongoing professional growth and helps you adapt to new challenges in the Childhood Practice sector. You will also complete a mandatory 60+ days out on placement across the academic year.

Application Information

What further study options are available?

HND Childhood Practice then progression to our BA Childhood Studies degree

What career opportunities are there?

SSSC regulated work within the Childhood Practice sector

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Childhood Practice BA

Online, Part-time over two years:Our BA: Childhood Practice degree programme, delivered in partnership with Queen Margaret University, is designed to provide a rigorous, academic area of study, enabling you to develop the necessary skills and understanding to register as a Lead Practitioner or Manager of Childcare Settings with the Scottish Social Services Council. This is a level 9 (or year 3) degree year - level 7 & 8 study (years 1 & 2 of a degree) must have been completed prior to joining this degree in its final year (level 9 or year 3) of study within the discipline of or associated discipline of Childhood Practice. The degree meets the rules and requirements set out in the Standard for Childhood Practice (Revised 2015) and is jointly approved by the Scottish Social Services Council. The BA: Childhood Practice provides a practice-based examination of the theoretical approaches important to leadership and management within childhood practice. Central to the degree programme is an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on education, health and welfare, sociology, psychology, geography, history, children’s rights, law and justice, political and economic science, anthropology, social policy and philosophy. Theory and practice are combined to ensure that you reflect appropriately on your experience and draw upon recent and relevant research to evaluate and drive towards improvement.