Pathway to Childhood Practice
Ignite your passion for nurturing young minds and take the first step toward a rewarding career in Early Learning and Childcare.
This bespoke course is your gateway to the vibrant world of childhood practice, offering a supportive and hands-on introduction to the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to progress onto the HNC Childhood Practice.
Through a blend of classroom learning and practical experience, you’ll explore the foundations of child development, play theory, and the legislation that shapes high-quality childcare in Scotland. You’ll also gain valuable insight into the policies and frameworks that guide professional practice in early years settings.
Put theory into action through our in-house PEEP and Play sessions, where you’ll work directly with children and families. These sessions provide a safe and enriching environment to build your confidence, develop your communication skills, and understand the dynamics of working in early years.
This qualification supports your progression to the HNC Childhood Practice and can contribute to the knowledge and skills required for roles such as Support Worker in early years settings.
Content
- Principles of child development, theory and supporting Children and Young People with ASN
- Supporting the Rights, Wellbeing and Safeguarding of Children and Young People
- Planning, implementing, and evaluating play experiences
- Key legislation, Policy and Guidance in Early Learning and Childcare
- Reflective practice and professional values
- Communication and collaborative working with children, families, and professionals
Career Paths
- This course is a pathway to further study and careers with early years education, childcare, support for learning and Social Services
- This course contributes to the underpinning knowledge of the SVQ Social Services Children and Young People, which is a benchmark qualification for registration with the SSSC as a support worker
Progression
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:
- Four National 5 awards at Grade C or above, including English
- Successful completion of all units within the NQ Child, Health and Social Care (Early Years) (SCQF Level 5)
- Substantial experience working with children and young people in a paid or voluntary role
More Info
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 unsuccessful, you will be offered support in finding a suitable alternative course
- If you wish to withdraw your application - please email student.applications@forthvalley.ac.uk
Alloa Campus
Full-Time
17 August 2026
Level 6
Falkirk Campus
Full-Time
17 August 2026
Level 6
Stirling Campus
Full-Time
17 August 2026
Level 6