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  • January
  • Full-Time
  • 1 year
  • Early Education and Childcare
  • SCQF Level 5

ENTRY TO PLAYWORK AND CHILDCARE (January)

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Intro to the course:

Our Entry to Playwork and Childcare January start is an exciting and progressive course, that draws on the wealth of knowledge our lecturing staff. Through innovative and dynamic learning approaches, you can develop and strengthen your skills, whilst developing the confidence to go further in your career. 

You will study a combination of units including Play, Communications, ICT, Contemporary Families, Working in Early Learning and much more. The course is designed to have  an overview of the sector. In addition, the course supports the enhancement of MetaSkills and Core Skills. 
Drawing on current practice in the sector with consideration towards the importance of mental wellbeing, additional support needs, play and outdoor learning, you will be equipped to enter the sector prepared to meet the needs of service users and businesses. 

Please be aware that the course content can be changed if required. 

Qualification
SCQF Level 5

Study mode
Full-Time

Start date
05/01/2026

Who is the course for?

This course will suit a variety of learners. You may have recently left school, but do not hold the qualifications required for HN study. It may be that you are wanting to start your journey into childcare and looking to build your qualifications up. 

If you are not sure, we would encourage you to get in touch to discuss further. 

What will I study?

You will study a variety of units including: 

  • Play
  • Working in ELC
  • Influences on Mental Health
  • Communications
  • Information and Communications Technology
  • Coping Strategies and Resilience. 

And much more. 

 

Next step course options

Progression from this course can be into : 

  • National 5 Playwork
  • NC Childhood Practice

Next steps will be discussed at guidance. 

How will I be assessed?

The assessment approaches vary between units depending on the requirements. 

Assessment approaches can include: 

  • Closed book exams
  • Open book exams
  • Posters
  • Presentation
  • Practical skills

Your lecturer for each unit will advise on the assessment approach and timescales. 

If you are worried or require support for assessments, you can seek support from the ‘Learning hub’ within the college

Why should I choose this course?

This course allows you to start your journey into childcare whilst building up your skills in communication, ICT and team work. 

Through our highly experienced and skilled lecturing team, you will be able to expand your skill set . We will give you insight into various areas of childcare including play, outdoor learning and  mental health

You will be visited by external speakers and engage in various activities to support your learning. 

The course team use their subject knowledge to provide you with a progressive learning experience.  Their insight into the sector provides you with an excellent start to your journey. 

Our campus has free on site parking, catering facilities, on site library and nursery as well as being local to the town centre.  In addition we have an on campus learning support unit,  plus access to counselling services and student support

Where can this course lead?

This course can help you progress towards working in Early Education, Primary education .Social science and many other routes. 

Through the development or core and meta skills, you will also  develop transferable skills that can be used in various job sectors. 

What are the entry requirements?

Whilst this course does not provide specific vocational qualifications, it does support the development of highly transferable skills for employment. Through various approaches, your communication, problem solving and critical analysis skills will become enhanced, with the ability to apply them to a variety of situations. 

You should have an genuine interest in childcare. 

What are the interview arrangements?

You will be contacted by a member of the Early Education team to discuss the course. We do ask for a reference to be provided. In your personal statement, please explain why you want to do the course and where you see yourself going.

Fees, finance and funding

Fees for 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

Need more help?

Would you like to speak to someone about your application today? We’d love to hear from you.

You can drop into the Student Advice Centre between 8.45am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Tel: 01355 270750
Email: admissions@slc.ac.uk

Choose your study options

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