Overview

This programme is ideally suited for employed SSSC registered practitioners who wish to become registered as lead practitioners or managers. You will gain the skills and knowledge to deliver quality services to children and their parents in an early year setting.

You must be employed in, or have access to, an acceptable professional environment in which knowledge and understanding of childhood practice in Scotland has been developed. You must also be employed for more than 16 hours per week, have employer support and a mentor from your area of practice to support your studies.

Course Highlights

The programme is professionally recognised by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).

Your studies will include learning within childhood, leadership and management and reflective practice and research.

All modules include ‘strategy projects’ undertaken in the workplace, which develop and enhance the links between theory and practice and involve critical reflection. There is also the opportunity for you to undertake research into a topic of special interest.

Assessment

Assessment strategies are designed to enhance the student’s engagement with the learning process. As such, criteria for assessment will reflect the aim of enhancing learning flexibility. Reflection remains an important tool for practice in the childcare sector and most assessments include an element of student reflection.

In all modules, preparation for assessment is undertaken, success criteria are shared with students in advance of assessment and students are encouraged to engage with the criteria to inform their preparation for assessment. Feedback (oral and written) is provided by academic staff and or peers for the variety of formative tasks provided for almost all modules and summative assessments.

The assessment strategies developed for this programme aim to support the student in the process of learning and to develop the key skills of critical analysis, problem solving and synthesis. A variety of assessment methods will be utilised across the modules and will reflect the range and balance of teaching and learning e.g., exam, action research, presentation, and essay.

Career Prospects

The Standard for Childhood Practice aims to help strengthen leadership in the childcare and early years sector and improve career opportunities for early years and childcare professionals. Graduates will find opportunities as lead practitioners or managers within these areas.