Childhood Practice

 <ryan_fields_328391_unsplash_copy.jpg> A high standard of care and education during the earliest years of childhood is an important factor that contributes to every child’s wellbeing and success later on in life, and demand is on the rise for qualified childcare practitioners in this sector.  

The SWAP Access to Childhood Practice programme is designed to prepare students for progression to related Higher Education qualifications, such as the HNC/D in Childhood Practice.  

As with all SWAP programmes, you will need to have been out of education for a minimum of three years (if you took no formal qualifications from school) or five years (if you achieved Highers at school but they are now out of date for entry to Higher Education).

In addition, you will need to be eligible to register with the PVG scheme, to provide satisfactory references, and you will likely also have to attend an interview session with college staff.    



What would I study on a SWAP Childhood Practice programme?  

All colleges share a basic framework, but each will likely offer slightly different subjects, depending upon their resources and preferences. Some examples are below:

·         Development of children and young people
·         Play for children and young people
·         Safeguarding of children and young people
·         Health and First Aid
·         Core skills: communication, numeracy, problem-solving, etc. 



Ready to apply?

You can find more specific information about the programmes from the individual college web pages. Our college partners who are offering the SWAP Access to Childhood Practice include:  

Ayrshire College
Glasgow Kelvin College
New College Lanarkshire
South Lanarkshire College
West College Scotland




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