Training Info

Information on qualifications and funding

Starting your career with training
 

Getting formal qualifications in Early Learning and Childcare is a great way to gain confidence and practical experience. Choosing which qualification to go for depends on where you live as well as what your personal circumstances and goals are.

If you can’t commit to a full-time course, it would be worth checking if your local college offers part-time or evening study. And if you live in a rural location there are options to study remotely. Training providers such as the University of the Highlands and Islands, and others, offer distance learning.

Ways to study
 

There are various qualifications you can take before getting a job in childcare, search online for the following qualifications to see what’s available near you:

Courses to become a Support Worker

(These usually take around 12 months to complete)

NC in Early Education and Childcare (SCQF Level 6)
SVQ Social Services (Children and Young People) (SCQF Level 6)

Courses to become a Practitioner

(These usually take around 12 months to complete)

HNC in Childhood Practice (SCQF Level 7)
SVQ Social Services (Children and Young People) (SCQF Level 7) (Part-time)

Courses to become a Manager/Lead Practitioner

  • BA Hons Childhood Practice (4 year course)
  • BA Childhood Practice (3 year course)
  • Graduate Diploma Childhood Practice (1 year course)
  • SQA Professional Development Award Childhood Practice (1 year course)
  • PgDip in Childhood Practice (1 year course)
  • MEd Childhood Practice – usually completed once you’re working at Manager/Lead Practitioner level (1 year course)
  • Graduate Apprenticeships are now available for Early Learning and Childcare

More information can be found on the Child Careers Scotland website.