Early Learning and Childcare

Course Overview

• National 5 Skills for Work: Early Learning and Childcare is a vocational, practical-based qualification suitable for those who wish to work with children in an early learning and childcare setting. The course is designed to provide young people with opportunities for developing Core Skills, and Skills for Learning, Skills for Life and Skills for Work with a focus on enhancing skills and attitudes for employability. The Course supports learners to gain knowledge, skills and values that will help support and facilitate play and contribute to the development and wellbeing of children and young people in early learning and childcare settings.

• Development and Wellbeing of Children and Young People

This Unit is designed to introduce learners to the principles of child development and wellbeing of children and young people from 0–16 years. Students will learn what is meant by sequences and patterns in child development and the inter- relationship between all aspects of that development. Students will also learn about the health needs of children and how health factors may affect the development of children.

• Play in Early Learning and Childcare

This Unit allows learners to develop an understanding of the benefits of a variety of types of play for children and young people. Students will learn how children benefit from a range of play experiences through planning, setting up and reviewing play experiences, either in a real or simulated context.

• Working in Early Learning and Childcare

This Unit allows learners to develop an understanding of the Early Learning and Childcare sector and to explain ways in which the sector meets the care, learning and development needs of children and young people aged 0-16 years. Students will consider career options within the sector and the skills, qualities and qualifications required to fulfil these roles. They will reflect on their own skills, qualities, and achievements in relation to these. Students will carry out an investigation of the sector. Students will work be assessed in groups, as well as individually.

• Contemporary Families

This Unit enables the learner to develop an awareness and understanding of the range of families in a contemporary society and the skills required to support children and young people. Students will develop practical skills within a range of family focused tasks and engage in a variety of learning experiences to help increase their knowledge and understanding of contemporary families. They will investigate the support available to families from professionals and organisations.