Introduction to Childhood Studies SCQF Level 5

What is special about this course?

These two courses are specifically designed for anyone who is considering retraining or would like to explore whether a career in Childcare and Early years is right for them.

The 1 day a week Social Services, Families and Young People (Wednesdays) option is a perfect starting point for future study in early years education, childcare or social work. 

The half day a week Care of Children (Thursday morning) option would be  a perfect starting point if you are considering becoming a childminder, nanny or thinking about employment in a childcare setting.

Entry requirements

• You must be 16 years of age at the start of the course

Social Services, Families and Young People.  

Wednesdays 9.00-4.00pm 

• Families in Modern Society (F01C11)

This Unit will introduce you to the diversity of family types in modern society and to the social factors which influence modern family life. We’ll look at the range of terms used by sociologists to describe family types and why there is a diversity of opinion regarding these terms. We will also explore sociologists’ views on the function of the family in modern society and social problems relating to dysfunctional families.

• Social Services in Scotland: An Introduction (F3G211)

This Unit will help you understand how social services in Scotland are organised. It will cover the roles of statutory, voluntary and independent bodies that provide these services and how these bodies are monitored and regulated. The Unit will also look at a range of individuals, their needs and how these are met by the social services.

• Safeguarding of Children and Young People (HF5D46)

The purpose of this Unit is to introduce the important area of safeguarding children and young people from risk, harm and exploitation. It identifies different types of risk, harm and exploitation, together with signs and symptoms that might indicate they are occurring. The Unit also identifies the rights and responsibilities that surround safeguarding, what might be done to reduce the need for safeguarding interventions, and underpinning Social Services values and principles.

Care of Children  

Thursdays 9.00-1.00pm

• Care of Children (HX1K74)

This level 4 unit will teach you to plan, demonstrate and review caring skills that meet the needs of children. The nature of need is ever changing, according to the age and stage of development and life circumstances of the child. You will learn about the broad developmental needs and associated areas, e.g. the physical development need for hygiene, nutrition, and safety; the emotional development need for praise and encouragement, love and affection. You may also investigate social development needs, social skills and cognitive development, as well as needs in relation to warmth and shelter, food and water, love and security.

• Healthy Eating in a Care Setting (F1P1 11)

Learn how a balanced diet contributes to a person’s health and well-being. And understand how to meet the dietary needs of individual service users. You’ll also learn to plan an appropriate one-day menu for a selected service user and understand the good practice related to purchasing, storing and preparing foods.

Fees

Social Services, Families and Young People. Wednesdays 9.00-4.00pm consists of 3 SQA units and costs £258.

Care of Children Thursdays 9.00-1.00pm consists of 2 SQA units and costs £172

If you are on a low income or in receipt of certain benefits may receive a fee waiver. Please refer to page 2 of our Fees and Funding Guide to see if you are eligible. You can download a FEE WAIVER FORM here.  If you would like help or advice on fee waiver, please contact your nearest learning centre.

If you do not qualify for a fee waiver, you may be able to apply for an Individual Training Account (ITA) to cover up to £200 the cost of this course.

This course is not available to students who require a Tier 4 Home Office visa to study in Scotland (international or EU).