SWAP ACCESS TO HNC CHILDHOOD PRACTICE

Intro to the course:

This is a Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) course for people interested in a career in Childhood Practice and is designed to help you reach your potential and to help you have the confidence to go on to be successful in a college or university course. If you've few or no formal qualifications and have been out of full-time education for a period of time you could be eligible for this course. 

This course will be delivered between the hours of 9.30am and 2.30pm, making it possible to balance childcare commitments with returning to study. 

Who is the course for?

A SWAP programme could be for you if:

• you don't have any qualifications above SCQF level 5 (Standard Grade, Int 2, GCSE or equivalent) and have been out of full-time education for at least three years or
• you already have qualifications at SCQF level 6 or higher (Highers, A Levels, HN) and have been out of full-time education for at least five years
• you are able commit to college on a full-time basis (around 18-20 hours per week)
• you aim to progress to study at university or to college to do an HNC/D

Adults who completed a full time level 5 or below course recently, but who were out of full time education for three years prior to that would still be eligible. SWAP would view this course as a first step back into learning and this would not affect your eligibility to enrol on a SWAP programme.

Students who do not meet the time out of full-time education criteria but whose secondary schooling was significantly disrupted through illness or personal circumstances or who were home schooled, may be eligible and should contact the SWAP office for advice. Refugees and asylum seekers are also in this category and should contact SWAP for further guidance.  

What will I study?

You will study a range of subjects relevant to a career in early learning and childcare. Topics studied will include: 

• child development
• play
• health and wellbeing
• resilience
• safeguarding

Next Step Course Options

Successful completion may allow you to progress to Higher National Certificate  (HNC) Childhood Practice.  After completion of HNC, you could progress to HND or on to university. 

How will I be assessed?

A variety of assessment methods are used throughout the course. Coursework is assessed continually, meaning there are no examinations at the end of the course.

Why should I choose this course?

SWAP Access to Childhood Practice is a fantastic stepping stone to a career in early learning and childcare. 

Where can this course lead?

On completion of HNC level students have the opportunity to embark on a career in childhood practice as a practitioner.

What are the entry requirements?

• relevant work experience would be beneficial, but not essential. 
• successful performance at interview with a realistic expectation of studying at Higher level 
• Disclosure Scotland PVG check 

We welcome applications from people of all ages and from all backgrounds with a level of maturity to study. We take many factors in to account when assessing applications for entry. Please contact us if you've any queries about applying for the course.

What are the interview arrangements?

Applicants who meet the course criteria will be invited to attend an informal interview at South Lanarkshire College. 

Other information:

Students are supported , throughout this course, by Scottish Wider Access Programme staff. More information can be found at the SWAP website HERE.