NPA Social Services, Children and Young People (Schools)

***PLEASE NOTE - only pupils who will be at school during session 2024/25 can apply for this course***

A career in Early Learning, Childcare or Playwork can make a real difference to the quality of children’s lives and to their families. There has never been a better time to begin a career in early learning and childcare. The Scottish Government is expanding the provision of funded early learning and childcare places, so the demand for early learning and childcare staff has increased in recent years and will continue to increase significantly in the next few years.

This National Progression Award in Social Services Children and Young People is a great way to acquire experience and also gain a qualification at the same level as a Higher. This qualification will help pupils understand what it is like to work in the early learning and childcare sector and provide them with a unique chance to develop skills and knowledge across a range of topics related to early learning and childcare in the classroom, alongside the experience of a valuable work placement with an employer.

The course involves the following components:

  • Group work.
  • Research skills. This sometimes has to be done outside College time. 
  • Practical work in the simulated nursery areas.
  • There is a fair amount of reading and writing in the course.
  • Assessment involves a mixture of closed book class tests and open book projects and reports. 
  • Students normally have 2 opportunities to pass a particular assessment, in line with SQA requirements. 
  • Good attendance is essential due to the large amount of group work involved in the course.

Assessment on this programme is continual, meaning that good attendance will increase the chances of successful completion of the qualification.

The deadline for applications is Friday 19 April 2024 but early applications are encouraged.

Content

What qualifications will pupils achieve?

  • On successful completion, pupils will achieve a National Progression Award in Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF Level 6 (5 units)

Attendance:

  • Pupils will attend  a Forth Valley College Campus (Alloa or Falkirk) for 5 hours per week (2 half days) from August to February and then they will attend the College  for 2.5 hours per week (one half day) for the rest of the year. Pupils will also attend a work placement in a relevant setting for another 3 hours per week from February until June.

(Please note that this course continues throughout periods of study leave from school and it is very important that pupils attend during these periods, except on exam days).

This course is made up of 5 units:

  • Development of Children and Young People
  • Play for Children and Young People
  • Safeguarding of Children and Young People 
  • Promote the Wellbeing and Safety of Children and Young People 
  • Communication with Children and Young People

Career Paths

Could lead to the following careers:

  • Early Learning and Childcare Support Worker
  • Early Learning and Childcare Practitioner

Progression

  • Applying for the Modern Apprenticeship in Social Services (Children and Young People) 
  • Higher level study at college on the HNC Childhood Practice
  • Using the NPA Social Services (Children and Young People) alongside Highers to apply to university

Entry requirements

  • Pupils will have achieved three National 5 awards (or equivalent) preferably including English Pupils need to be a good communicator and ideally have achieved National 5 in English (or equivalent) and have the potential to achieve SCQF Level 6 in Communication Skills. Pupils must have a clear Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme record to complete this qualification. Pupils will apply for this at the beginning of the course and it is funded, so there is no additional cost.

More Info

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 - Schools.Co-ordinator@forthvalley.ac.uk

Location

Alloa Campus

Start date

11 June 2024

SCQF Level

Level 6

Location

Falkirk Campus

Start date

11 June 2024

SCQF Level

Level 6