Childhood Practice & SVQ Provision
Flexible CPD units for Childhood Practice SCQF Level 7
Campus Outreach - Multiple Sites
Qualification SCQF Level 7
Study mode Open learning
Start date
Aug 2025
Course enquiry form
Course overview
This course is designed for professionals already working with children and young people in childcare settings. It offers opportunities for professional development by providing up-to-date knowledge and information in key subject areas. These units are ideal for those looking to refresh their qualifications or gain additional credits. Dedicated support from lecturing staff will help you progress both professionally and academically.
The course is flexible, allowing you to choose from a range of units, each of which takes approximately 10 weeks to complete. There are two intakes per academic year—in September and January. Learning methods include group work, class discussions, journaling, and reflective practices focused on your work.
The course fee is £124 per unit.
What you will learn
The units cover a range of contemporary topics that underpin the work of the childcare professional:
- Health, Wellbeing and Safeguarding - 8 credits at SCQF 7
- Supporting Children with Additional Needs - 8 credits at SCQF 7
- Leadership starts with me - 8 credits at SCQF 7
- Supporting children and young people's behaviour - 8 credits at SCQF 7
- Facilitating Playwork Opportunities - 8 credits at SCQF 7
- Play - 8 credits at SCQF 7
Placement information
- You will be currently working or volunteering on a regular basis in a childcare setting and have the appropriate PVG in place before commencing these units.
How the course is assessed
Each unit has unique assessment methods which can include
- report writing
- essays
- reflections on practice and presentations which allow you to demonstrate your knowledge understanding and work-based practice
Number of days per week
- The units are delivered on an open learning basis using our online learning system.
- Each unit should take approx. 10 weeks to complete.
- Applicants can do one unit at a time and two per year.
- Students can start in September and January.
- Students will receive online support and can contact their tutor by phone or email.
Entry requirements
- Two Highers or pass in a relevant NC at SCQF Level 6 or SVQ Level 2 Children’s Care Learning and Development/Social Services Children and Young People.
- Applicants with no formal entry requirements, but with a significant amount of experience in working with children will also be considered. Please detail this in your Personal Statement.
- As the units are delivered online, applicants should be confident using online systems to access the course.
- You must be currently working or volunteering in the childhood practice sector.
Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements
- All successful applicants will be sent information from the admission team on payment methods and the course information booklet along with an explanatory email about how to access the course materials and tutor contact information. At this stage you will be asked to choose the unit you would like to study.
English Proficiency Requirements
To enable our students the best opportunity of achieving this course, applicants for whom English is an additional language require an existing English language certificate at IELTS Level 5.5 or equivalent. Alternatively, additional language applicants will be required to undertake an English Language Assessment at College. There will be a cost of £20 for this test unless you are in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance, Working Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Disability Benefit or Income Support or if you are an asylum seeker or refugee. English proficiency at IELTS Level 5.5 or equivalent is a course requirement. If you would like any more information on this, please contact angie.thomson@edinburghcollege.ac.ukProgression and Articulation Routes
- PDA Childhood Practice Level 9 taught at Edinburgh College
- PDA Childhood Practice at Level 8 taught at Edinburgh College
- BA Childhood Practice
- These units are ideal for people building credits towards study at these levels
Career options
- Leadership roles in childcare settings
- Senior practitioners in nurseries
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Outreach - Multiple Sites | Open learning | 26/08/25 |
