Skills for Work: Early Education and Childcare National 5 (Schools)
***PLEASE NOTE - only pupils who will be at school during session 2026/27 can apply for this course***
A fun, practical course for anyone who enjoys working with children!
If you’re interested in a future career in early years, teaching, childcare or working with young people, this course is a great place to start. It gives you a real insight into what it’s like to work with children, while helping you build confidence, practical skills, and hands-on experience.
You’ll learn about how children grow and develop, why play is so important, and what adults do to support children’s learning and wellbeing. You’ll also explore different types of childcare settings, careers in the sector, and the skills you’ll need to be successful.
This course will run on Tuesday & Thursday 1.35pm - 3.25pm at Alloa
This course will run on Tuesday & Thursday 1.35pm - 3.25pm at Falkirk
This course will run on Friday 9.30am - 1.45pm at Stirling
Please note that the course you are applying for is split across two sessions. When submitting your application, the dates displayed will be for the June Induction in session 2025/26. Once successfully enrolled on this session, you will automatically be transferred to the 2026/27 session, which begins in August, for the remainder of the course.
Content
This course is made up of 4 units:
Mandatory Units:
- Development and Wellbeing of Children and Young People - how children grow and what affects their development
- Play in Early Education and Childcare - planning, setting up and evaluating play
- Working in Early Education and Childcare - exploring jobs, skills and values in the sector
Optional Units:
- Care and Feeding (unit subject to change)
Career Paths
With further study, this course could lead to careers including:
- Early Years Worker
- Teacher
- Au - pair
- Social Care Assistant working with families and children
- Child Minder
- Child Care worker on holiday resorts
- Crèche Worker
Progression
With the right combination of other qualifications, you could move on to one of the full-time courses listed below, provided you also receive a positive reference from your lecturer.
- NQ Child Health and Social Care (Early Years) (SCQF L5)
- Pathway to Childhood Practice (SCQF L6)
- PDA Education Support Assistance (SCQF L6)
Further Schools Partnership Opportunities
- Higher Childcare and Development (SCQF L6)
- NPA Social Services Children and Young People (SCQF L6)
Entry requirements
- Pupils should have 4 National 4 qualifications (including English) or be on track to get them by the end of this school year.
Alongside completing the SFW Early Learning and Childcare National 5
- Pupils should be working towards at least 3 National 5 qualifications including English or an equivalent
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 - school.partnership@forthvalley.ac.uk