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: A good standard of general education including literacy and numeracy to at least SCQF 5 (Nat 5) or equivalent as a minimum.

Strong ICT skills

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
• 2 Highers (or equivalent) at grade C or above

 

The applicant must evidence their ability to achieve an SCQF 7 Social Services (Children and Young People) qualification within the period of the MA contract.  This is a requirement of this post. MAs are supported with regular training from the Central Early Years Team whilst working in a Local Authority Early Years Setting.  They will enrol with Borders College to undertake their qualification and meet their assessor / support staff regularly during the apprenticeship period.

 

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