PDA Level 8 Childhood Practice

Course overview

PDA Level 8 Childhood Practice is designed for people already working in childhood practice settings interested in progressing their careers. The course strongly focuses on leadership and professional practice and aims to improve your knowledge, understanding and skills. It will also develop your confidence in taking on a senior role within a Childhood Practice setting.

This course is also suitable for people who need to gain credits to progress onto the PDA Level 9 Childhood Practice course. Please note you may need to complete additional credits at SCQF 7 depending on the qualifications you have at this level, you can contact us for advice.

The course will give you a deep understanding of professional practice in childhood practice and how legislation, policy and frameworks, should be used effectively to ensure children and young people are supported and valued. The course considers pedagogical perspectives within Scotland and internationally to identify contemporary theoretical approaches that can be put into practice within your setting.

The course runs over two academic years and fees will be payable at the start of each year. The fee is £820 per year, it's possible to use the SAAS part-time fee grant towards the fees if you meet the eligibility criteria Part-time Funding Guide.

More information is available on our Level 8 Padlet

What you will learn

• Professional Practice
• Legislation and Policy
• Pedagogy
• Developing Leadership
• Quality Assurance
• Collaborative Working
• Supporting colleagues
• Safeguarding responsibilities

Placement information

• You must be employed in the childhood practice sector during this course, with the opportunity to take on a leadership role.

How the course is assessed

• You will be continually assessed through a variety of methods including project work, essays, open-book assessments and presentations.

Number of days per week

Delivery options for Level 8 Childhood Practice

Blended- this course has weekly taught sessions (3 online sessions per month and 1 session in campus session). The in-campus session is delivered from Midlothian campus. All sessions are delivered on a Tuesday 6.30-8.30pm. There is flexibility to do this course fully online if that is your preference.

Open Learning- no taught sessions- ideal for students who can work independently through resources at their own pace. You will be allocated a lecturer you can contact for support.

Online- this course has weekly taught sessions which are delivered online. This course currently runs on a Thursday 6.30-8.30pm.

In addition to attending classes, students will be required to study for approximately three to four hours per week.

Entry requirements

Before being offered a place on this course you will be required to complete a short mandatory introductory block in academic writing. This is to ensure students are prepared for academic study and assessments at this level. 

• You must have an award accepted by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) to register as a practitioner e.g. HNC Childhood Practice, SVQ 3 Social Science (Children and Young People) or SVQ 3 Playwork 
• You should have a minimum of 6 months post-qualifying experience in a relevant job role in the childhood practice sector.
• Your Personal Statement should explain your interest in the course and include details of your current job role and qualifications to meet the entry requirements. Please upload evidence of your current practitioner qualification (SVQ 3 or HNC award)

Writing a Personal Statement

Your Personal Statement is an important part of your application and it can help us to decide if you are suitable for the course.

To make sure that you are giving us all the information we need to consider your application fully, please include the following:

• Your reasons for applying for this course. Why does it interest you? Why are you suitable for this course?
• Details of any relevant qualifications that you have to meet the course entry requirements
• Information about any courses or training you have done that are relevant – this can include certificated training such as First Aid or CPD courses
• Details of any work experience (paid or voluntary) that is relevant to the course
• Your future career plans – how will this course help you to reach your goals?

You should check that the statement is written clearly, and using appropriate language. It’s a good idea to ask someone to proofread the statement before sending it.

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

On meeting the entry requirements above, we will arrange an individual induction meeting (online or on campus) to discuss the course, and placement requirements and answer any questions you may have. We look forward to meeting you. 

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 6 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 6 or equivalent is a course requirement.  If you would like any more information on this please contact Angie.thomson@edinburghcollege.ac.uk

Progression and Articulation Routes

• Further study at SCQF Level 9
• PDA Level 9 Childhood Practice
• BA Childhood Practice

Career options

• Senior practitioner