Higher Childcare & Development (Schools)

You’ll explore three areas:

Child Development

• Learn about physical, cognitive, emotional, language and social development and what helps children thrive.

Child Development: Theory

• Study the thinkers who shaped what we know about children today, such as Piaget, Vygotsky, Bowlby, Bruner and more.

Services for Children and Young People

• Discover the range of support available to children and families, including education, health, social services and community organisations.

You’ll also complete an independent research project, building confidence in investigation, analysis and academic writing - great preparation for future study or employment.

This qualification can open the door to a variety of rewarding careers, including:

• Early Years Practitioner
• Classroom Assistant
• Childminder
• Family Support Worker
• Youth Worker
• Social Services roles
• Health and wellbeing support roles
• A pathway into teaching or psychology

It’s perfect for anyone who loves working with children and wants a career that makes a difference.

After completing Higher Childcare and Development, you can progress to:

• HNC Childhood Practice is available for learners who successfully complete Higher Childcare and Development at Grade C or above, achieve Higher English at grade C or above, and demonstrate consistent positive engagement and conduct throughout the course.
• Modern Apprenticeship in Social Services (Children & Young People)
• Further study at college or university, such as degrees in Childhood Practice, Education, Social Work, Psychology or Health

• Applicants must be attending secondary school
• Applicants must either be working towards Higher English or have achieved Higher English at Grade C or above
• S6 pupils should have at least 3 national 5s including English at Grade C or above and 2 Highers from S5 at grade C or above
• S5 pupils should have at least 3 national 5s including English at Grade C or above and be working towards 2 additional Highers
• Applicants with NPA Social Services Children and Young People will be considered with lecturer reference and dependent upon additional qualifications

Desirable

• SFW National 5 Early Learning and Childcare 

Further advice for School College Programme and Foundation Apprenticeship applications:

• Please ensure you have an online account before starting your application
• Before starting the application process, please ensure you already hold or are working towards the relevant entry qualifications required for the course you are applying for
• Ensure you use your own personal email address when creating your online account
• Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an automated email immediately
• If you do not receive an acknowledgement e-mail immediately, please check your SPAM/Junk folder
• Please include as much detail as possible in your personal statement such as; the reason you are applying, future career plans, relevant experience, hobbies and interests
• Disclosing support needs in your application will not affect your chances of being offered a place on a course at Forth Valley College
• If your application is successful, you will be invited to an information session
• If your application is unsuccessful, you should speak to a guidance teacher or SDS school liaison officer.
• If you are unable to attend the information session or wish to withdraw your application, please email the School Partnership team - school.partnership@forthvalley.ac.uk