HNC Childhood Practice (NextGen)

Throughout the course you will explore themes such as  

• Pedagogy in Practice 
• Health, Safeguarding, Welfare and Rights 
• Developing Reflective Practice 
• Additional Support Needs: Positive Support Strategies for Children and Young People 
• Promote Effective Communication 
• Promote Health, Safety and Security in the work setting 
• Develop your Practice through Reflection and Learning 
• Outdoor Learning and Sustainability 
• Forest Kindergarten

Please note: Individual units are subject to change.

You will also undertake a minimum of 60 days of practice-based experience in an early learning and childcare setting. 

• Early Years Practitioner (working in nurseries, playgroups, early learning centres)
• Childcare Worker/Play Worker (supporting children in out of school care, residential care)
• Support Worker 

This qualification has been identified as appropriate for early learning and childcare practitioners, and successful completion of the course will enable you to seek employment to work with children in a range of public and private settings and register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) at practitioner level. 

Successful completion of the course may allow progression to: 

• BA Childhood Practice 
• BA Childhood Studies
• HND Childhood Practice
• PDA Childhood Practice at SCQF Level 8
• Primary teaching (subject to additional qualifications required by university)  
• Related studies at higher level

Forth Valley College has formal articulation links in place for entry into Year two of the following degree programmes: 

• BA (Hons) Early Childhood - The Open University
• BA (Hons) Childhood and Youth Studies - The Open University
• BA (Hons) Child and Youth Studies - University of the Highlands & Islands  
• BA (Hons) Childhood Practice - University of the Highlands & Islands   

Please note articulation links are subject to change and do not guarantee a place on any university course. Students should check with individual universities for more detail. Each institution will have specific entry requirements. 

Mandatory: 

• Participation at an information session
• Successful interview
• Clear Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check required. Further information on the PVG Scheme will be issued to successful applicants prior to enrolment. 

Plus one of the following: 

• Two relevant Highers at Grade C or above including English
• Successful completion of all units within a relevant SCQF L6 Care Course such as: Pathway to Childhood Practice, NC Childhood Practice, PDA Education Support Assistance 
• Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services, Children and Young People plus Higher English at Grade C or above  
• SVQ Level 2 Social Services (Children and Young People) (SCQF Level 6)
• Substantial paid experience working with children and young people in a relevant job role, such as a Support for Learning Assistant 

Further advice for full-time applicants:

• Please ensure you have an online account before starting your application.
• If you created your account prior to November 2024, you will need to register a new account.
• 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, previous employment, 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 for interview. For January start courses interviews will be in Nov/Dec and interviews for August start courses will take place between February and May
• If your application is unsuccessful, you will be offered support in finding a suitable alternative course 
• Applicants who provide a mobile phone number on their application form will be sent a text reminder prior to the day of interview 
• If you are unable to attend an interview or wish to withdraw your application - please email student.applications@forthvalley.ac.uk