OUR RESPONSE TO
NEW CHILDCARE HOURS
by Dorothy Bell
Curriculum Manager
Health, Social Care
and Early Years
“
High quality
provision is at the
heart of the training
provided at the
College, providing
flexibility and
accessibility for
students.
”
IN 2016 THE SCOTTISH
GOVERNMENT
ANNOUNCED THAT FREE
PROVISION OF EARLY
LEARNING AND CHILDCARE
FOR ALL 3 AND 4 YEAR
OLDS WILL BE INCREASED
FROM 600 HOURS TO 1140
HOURS BY THE YEAR 2020.
We have responded to this
demand and offer several
pathways into working with
children, from NC to HND
level. Courses offered include
SCQF Level 4 Access to Early
Education and Childcare to
HND Childhood Practice at
SCQF Level 8.
Our courses in Early Years
Education provide hands-on
training for those wishing
to become an early years
practitioner, senior practitioner,
playworker, or education
support assistant. Registration
with the Scottish Social Services
Council is available to students
who successfully complete
Early Education and Childcare
qualifications at SCQF Level 7
and above. include evening courses and
blended learning.
The Access to Primary
Education (Scottish Widening
Access Programme) enables
students to prepare for degree
level courses in primary
education or a wide range of
relevant vocational courses
at college. Evidence of CPD is required
for registered childminders,
and the College is providing
bespoke evening options to
accommodate childminders
who are looking to upskill.
High quality provision is at the
heart of the training provided at
the College, providing flexibility
and accessibility for students.
In the coming academic year,
an extra 62 HNC student
places will be offered, with 10
HNC level courses provided
as flexibly as possible. This will
Early Education courses are
responding to expectations,
with learner-focused, high
quality qualifications.
The HNC Childhood Practice
award, in particular, is suitable,
not only for those looking
to work as an early year’s
practitioner, but also those who
are currently employed in this
role. It is flexible and suitable
for part-time students. The
2-year evening course runs
once a week from September
to June with 60 placement days
The magazine of Ayrshire College
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