We are holding an online information evening about the PDA Childhood Practice (SCQF Level 9) on Wednesday, 7th May 2025, from 7.00 PM to 8.00 PM, to register your attendance, please email angie.thomson@edinburghcollege.ac.uk

 

The PDA Level 9 Childhood Practice is a qualification designed for lead practitioners and managers of childcare and playwork settings. This qualification is equivalent to a university degree and is accepted by the SSSC for registration as lead practitioner/manager.

 

Additional Information 

What you will learn

• The course is based on the Standard for Childhood Practice (SSSC).
• There is a focus on management and leadership from the start, and this underpins all units.
• Students study a unit based on their area of specialism – we currently offer options in early learning, pre-birth to three, and playwork.
• Other units cover topics such as children’s rights, inclusion, diversity, comparative play theories, and collaborative working with colleagues and other professionals.
• The course includes a research project into an area of interest to identify potential areas for change and development.
• The final unit offers students the opportunity to develop an organisational operational plan based on the knowledge they have gained during the course.

Number of days per week

• One evening per week – Thursday 6.30 PM – 8.30 PM
• A blended learning approach one evening per month on campus (Sighthill) and the other classes as live online MS Teams sessions.
• Applicants who live too far from Edinburgh to attend the on-campus sessions can attend all classes on Teams.
• 2 year course

Entry requirements

• You must have 240 credits at SCQF levels 7 and 8 in relevant subjects to gain entry to this course. This should include an award accepted by the SSSC to register as a practitioner (eg HNC or SVQ 3). Contact us for advice on this, we have a range of options for gaining additional credits if required.

 

SVQ Courses Starting in August 2025 We are excited to share SVQ courses available at Edinburgh College, starting in August 2025. These courses are designed to enhance professional skills and support career progression. If you are interested in enrolling on one of these courses with support from your employer, please complete this form. We will then follow up with you. If you would like to apply to one of our courses as an individual, or to explore other courses we offer, please visit our website for more information and to apply.

SVQ Social Services: Children and Young People We offer the SVQ in Social Services: Children and Young People at levels 2, 3 and 4 for individuals working in early learning, childcare, residential childcare, or settings supporting children and young people with additional needs. These work-based qualifications combine practical experience with theoretical learning, supported by assessors, and successful completion allows registration with the SSSC. Each course includes a mix of monthly classes, tutorial sessions, online learning, and research to enhance your skills and knowledge in a practical and supportive environment. SVQ Playwork Edinburgh College offers SVQ Playwork courses at levels 3 and 4 for those working in playwork, early years, or childcare settings. These workplace-based qualifications combine practical experience with theoretical learning, including classes, tutorial sessions, online learning, and research. Successful completion allows registration with the SSSC, with Level 3 focusing on play practitioner roles and Level 4 on leadership roles. To find out more and to apply for SVQs at Edinburgh College, visit our website. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to get in touch by contacting CommercialUK@edinburghcollege.ac.uk, or by responding to this email.