Childhood Practice: NC (Level 6)
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Course overview
Start your journey in shaping young minds and supporting their growth
This 18-week course provides a strong foundation for anyone interested in working with children in early learning or childcare settings. It offers an integrated mix of theory and practical learning, designed to help you develop the skills, knowledge and values needed to support children’s learning, wellbeing and development.
You’ll explore+ how children grow, communicate and learn, and how to provide nurturing, inclusive environments that help them thrive. Through a combination of class-based learning and reflective activities, you’ll build the confidence to support children across a range of early years settings.
This course is ideal for anyone aiming to begin a rewarding career in Early Learning and Childcare, or to progress to further study at NC Level 6.
This course is ideal for:
- School leavers or adults interested in a career working with children.
- Learners who want to gain confidence before progressing to higher-level study.
- Individuals with a caring nature who enjoy helping children learn and develop.
- Those exploring early education, childcare, or support assistant roles
What you will learn
You’ll gain essential knowledge and understanding of how to support children’s care, development and wellbeing.
Key topics include:
- Development and Wellbeing of Children and Young People – understanding physical, emotional and social growth.
- Supporting Children with Additional Support Needs – inclusive approaches to individual care.
- Communication – building positive relationships with children, families and colleagues.
- Children’s and Young People’s Rights and Protection – promoting safety, respect and equality in care.
You’ll also develop reflective practice skills, helping you grow both personally and professionally as you prepare for further study or employment.
Entry requirements
✅ Minimum of four National 4 qualifications, including English.
✅ A caring attitude, patience and enthusiasm for working with children are essential qualities for success.
ℹ️ Applicants must be 16 years or older at the start of the course.
ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language
- you need to have SQA ESOL National 5 (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
This qualification can help you begin your career in:
👶 Nursery or Early Years Assistant roles
🌈 Out-of-School Care or Playwork
👩🏫 Support roles in primary or early education
💡 Voluntary or community childcare settings
Future prospects
Successful learners can progress to the NC Childhood Practice (Level 6), where you’ll further develop your skills and gain the qualifications needed to work in registered early years settings or to continue into professional training such as the HNC Childhood Practice.
