SKILLS FOR CHILDHOOD PRACTICE

Intro to the course:

National 4 Skills for  Work in Childhood Practice is your stepping stone into a career in early years. This qualification will help you to develop your knowledge and understanding of working in the childcare sector.  

During this course you will learn about child development, play and working in early learning and childcare. This course also supports your development in employability skills further through studying Core Skills and will increase your understanding of meta skills to build your self esteem and confidence. As part of this course, you will also learn about Sustainability and Emergency Paediatric First Aid.   For this year we have also introduced 3 new units on Mental Health and Wellbeing to help you to develop coping strategies and build your resilience.  

 You will spend 3 full days a week in college between August 2025 and June 2026.

Who is the course for?

This course is for anyone who would like to work with children and young people. 

What will I study?

This qualification contains the following units: 

• Child Development  
• Play in Early Learning and Childcare 
• Working in Early Learning and Childcare  
• Contemporary Families 
• Core Skills: Communication 3 
• Core Skills: Numeracy 
• Understanding Mental Health Issues 
• Coping Strategies and Building Resilience 
• Influences on Mental Health and Wellbeing 

Next step course options

On successful completion of the course in June 2026, you will be able to  progress to the  National 5 award in Early Learning and Childcare which is the next step on the learning framework for Early Years sector. 

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed through a mixture of methods, for example; short question papers, essays, power point presentations, creating posters or designing information booklets. All assessments are open book and are completed in class or at home.  

Why should I choose this course?

This course will allow you to progress onto further study undertaking the National 5 Childcare award which is your next step if you wish to be an Early Years Practitioner. 

Where can this course lead?

If you wish to exit after this level you will have gained many work and personal skills which may help you into general employment outwith the early years sector.  

What are the entry requirements?

There are no formal entry requirements for this course but you are required to demonstrate a desire to work with children and young people at an interview where your suitability for the course will be assessed.  

What are the interview arrangements?

You will be invited for an informal interview at South Lanarkshire College where you will meet our team and have the opportunity to ask any questions you have about the course. 

Fees, finance and funding

Fees for short full time is £1008

This course is eligible for Bursary.

Please note, fees are subject to change, please double-check this when enrolling in your course

If you are unsuccessful in your Bursary application, you may be liable for the full cost of course

For more information please visit the finance pages - Fees, finance and funding options.

Other information:

For more information on this course and to speak to a member of our team email admissions@slc.ac.uk