Pathways into Early Years Roles

Foundation Apprenticeship

A Foundation Apprenticeship usually taken as an S5 subject choice, working towards a qualification over 1 or 2 years, taking young people out of the classroom and enabling them to work on real projects with a real business. Young people spend time at school and get training with an employer and with a local learning provider.

In general they are suited to pupils who:

  • Are capable of working at SCQF Level 6 – the same level of learning as a Higher
  • Want to try an alternative way to learn, not just in the classroom
  • Have an interest in developing greater awareness of working with young children with an aspiration of pursuing a career in that area.

Modern Apprenticeship

SBC recruit annually for MAs in Early Years and Childcare.

Essential Qualifications:

4 National 5s (or equivalent), one of which should be English

A numeracy qualification to at least Nat 4 level or equivalent

Ability to use initiative to support own learning

The applicant must evidence their ability to achieve a SCQF 7 Social Services (Children and Young People) within the period of the MA contract.  This is a requirement of this post.

All successful applicants will be required to register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) within 3 months of appointment and maintain registration throughout the period of employment.

Desirable – one of the following:

  • NC Early Education and Childcare
  • NC Childcare and Development
  • Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services and Healthcare
  • Foundation Apprenticeship in Children and Young People
  • 1 Higher (or equivalent) at grade C or above

Other routes into a career in Early Learning in Childcare are:

  1. Complete a course (with work based practice) and then apply for a job. Usually HNC Childhood Practice.  For younger people with little experience it is advised that they first complete the NC Childhood Practice
  2. Apply for a job and train as you work.  Currently not available through SBC other than MA route but a lot of people get jobs in the private voluntary sector or get voluntary work and complete and SVQ Social Service (Children & Young People) SCQF Level 7.  Some people also Register with the Care Inspectorate to work as childminders in their own homes and undertake the SVQ as above
  3. Qualifications in primary teaching, some nursing qualifications and social work qualifications may also be considered acceptable for working in the Early Years.

Student Placements

Scottish Borders Council and partner settings in the private and voluntary sectors, make placements available for students on the HNC Childhood Practice Course, in conjunction with Borders College, to meet the HNC requirements.  Students undertaking other qualifications, including with other training providers, may also be able to access placements in both local authority and partner settings through arrangement with the individual settings or through their training provider.  There is also provision for students, particularly those following a vocational training route, to undertake voluntary work in settings. 

For more information contact the Early Tears Team 

Role

Essential for ALL

Qualifications / Entry Requirements

Mandatory

Additional PL opportunities

Foundation Apprenticeship

 

Lasting one or two years, pupils begin their Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 or S6. Young people spend time out of school at college or with a local employer, and complete the Foundation Apprenticeship alongside their other subjects like National 5s and Highers.

 

 

Modern Apprentice

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SSSC Registration (if not already registered with another register body – full list can be found on SSSC)

 

 

Social service workers must meet their personal and professional responsibility for maintaining and developing their knowledge, skills and values.

 

SSSC CPL  

 

 

 

SBLearn Mandatory Modules

 

 

Child Protection Induction & Annual Update

 

 

Engagement with SBC Key Messages through EY Portal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4 National 5s (or equivalent), one of which should be English

A numeracy qualification to at least Nat 4 level or equivalent

Ability to use initiative to support own learning

The applicant must evidence their ability to achieve a SCQF 7 Social Services (Children and Young People) within the period of the MA contract.  This is a requirement of this post.

All successful applicants will be required to register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) within 3 months of appointment and maintain registration throughout the period of employment.

Desirable – one of the following:

•  NC Early Education and Childcare 

•  NC Childcare and Development

•  Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services and Healthcare

•  Foundation Apprenticeship in Children and Young People

•  1 Higher (or equivalent) at grade C or above

Paediatric First Aid

Infection Control

Food hygiene

 

Induction Programme – SBC  Early Years messages

 

Peer visits

 

 

 

 

Support Worker

 

Must hold or be working towards:

·         NC Childhood Practice or

·         SVQ Social Services (Children and Young People) SCQF level 6

Paediatric First Aid

Infection Control – TURAS NHS Module

Trauma – TURAS NHS Module

Food hygiene

 

 

Early Years Practitioner

 

Must hold:

·         HNC Childhood Practice or

·         SVQ Social Services (Children and Young People) SCQF level 7 (must include units relating to children’s learning and development)

NNEB/SNNEB with evidence of recent of up to date knowledge on current practice.

Paediatric First Aid

Infection Control – TURAS NHS Module

Trauma – TURAS NHS Module

Food hygiene

 

Aspiring to Lead

Equity and Excellence Lead (EEL)

This post requires:

This role requires:

·         a BA Childhood Practice (SCQF Level 9), PDA level 9 Childhood Practice 

In addition to this a practice qualification is required: 

·         HNC Childhood Practice or

·         SVQ Social Services (Children and Young People) SCQF level 7 (must include units relating to children’s learning and development)

NNEB/SNNEB with evidence of recent of up to date knowledge on current practice.

Paediatric First Aid

Infection Control – TURAS NHS Module

Trauma – TURAS NHS Module

 

Leadership modules on SBLearn e.g. Recruitment & Selection

Early Years Officer (EYO)

Must hold:

·         The Early Years Practitioner qualifications listed above Plus

·         PDA 8 Childhood Practice or

·         SVQ 9 Social Services (Children & Young People) or

·         HND Childhood Practice or

·         Diploma in Childhood Practice

Paediatric First Aid

Infection Control – TURAS NHS Module

Trauma – TURAS NHS Module

Food hygiene

 

Leadership modules on SBLearn e.g. Recruitment & Selection

Early Years Officer Network – EY Team

 

Senior Early Years Officer

Must hold:

·         a BA Childhood Practice (SCQF Level 9), PDA level 9 Childhood Practice 

In addition to this a practice qualification is required: 

·         HNC Childhood Practice or

·         SVQ Social Services (Children and Young People) SCQF level 7 (must include units relating to children’s learning and development)

NNEB/SNNEB with evidence of recent of up to date knowledge on current practice.

Paediatric First Aid

Emergency First Aid

Infection Control

Food hygiene

 

CoP – peer support/development work