Early Learning and Childcare: NQ (Level 5)
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Course overview
Lead with confidence and shape the future of early learning and childcare.
The PDA in Childhood Practice (SCQF Level 9) is designed for experienced practitioners looking to advance into senior leadership and management roles within the Early Learning and Childcare sector.
Delivered on a Wednesday evening (6–9pm), this part-time qualification supports learners already employed in the sector to balance professional development with their work and personal commitments. You’ll deepen your understanding of leadership, service development, equality, rights-based practice, and management of early years provision — equipping you to inspire teams and deliver high-quality, inclusive services for children and families.
This award meets the Benchmark Standards for Childhood Practice and the SSSC registration requirements for Lead Practitioner or Manager level. It forms the final stage of the PDA Childhood Practice pathway, offering a recognised alternative to a full degree route.
This course is ideal for:
- Qualified practitioners registered with the SSSC at SCQF Level 7 or 8.
- Experienced professionals seeking to progress to leadership or management roles.
- Learners looking to formalise and extend their knowledge through Recognition of Prior Learning and Experience (RPL).
- Those who prefer flexible evening study while continuing to work in the childcare sector.
What you will learn
You’ll study eight advanced units at SCQF Level 9, gaining 120 SCQF credit points that focus on leadership, management, and rights-based practice within Childhood Practice settings.
Core Units
- FD6X 36 – Childhood Practice: Leadership and Management
- FD6Y 36 – Developing Services for Children and Young People
- FD7D 36 – Childhood: Comparative Play Theories
- FD70 36 – Children’s Rights: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
- FD71 36 – Participatory Partnerships: Working with Families
- FD72 36 – Leadership and Management (Workplace Practice)
- FD73 36 – Developing a Rights-Based Approach to Service Delivery
- FD75 36 – Early Learning
Each unit supports you to apply advanced theory to real workplace practice — building leadership confidence, reflective awareness, and management expertise.
🧩 This PDA contributes to a total of 360 SCQF credits across Levels 7–9 in the full Childhood Practice framework, offering a flexible route to graduate-level recognition.
Entry requirements
✅ You must hold a practitioner qualification in Early Learning and Childcare that allows SSSC registration at SCQF Level 7 or 8.
✅ Entry to this PDA is through Recognition of Prior Learning and Experience (RPL) — applicants must evidence 240 SCQF credits at Levels 7 and 8.
✅ You must be working in, or have regular access to, a placement within a registered childcare or early years setting.
ℹ️ Funding Information:
You may be eligible to apply for a Part-Time Fee Grant (PTFG) from SAAS (Student Awards Agency Scotland) for study at SCQF Levels 7–9. For details, visit the SAAS website or contact their support team directly.
🕕 Class Schedule:
Classes run Wednesday evenings, 6–9pm, allowing flexible study alongside employment.
ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language
- you need to have SQA ESOL Higher (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)
- If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment here at the College.
Career Opportunities
Graduates from this qualification can progress into senior and leadership roles such as:
🌟 Lead Practitioner
🏫 Nursery or Early Years Manager
👩🏫 Childhood Practice Leader
💡 Team Leader or Development Officer
These roles require professional registration with the SSSC at Lead Practitioner/Manager level.
Future prospects
This PDA can be used to progress toward:
- BA Childhood Practice or BA Early Years
- PDA Childhood Practice (Level 9) completion credits for degree entry
Both routes meet the SSSC registration requirements for managerial positions within the sector.
