Skills for Work: Early Learning and Childcare National 5 (SCQF level 5)

National 5 Skills for Work: Early Learning and Childcare (previously Early Education and Childcare) is an introductory qualification that develops the skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed for work in the early learning and childcare sector.

At National 5, learners begin to prepare for working in the sector. They also develop transferable employability skills, including:

  • an understanding of the workplace and the employee's responsibilities (eg time-keeping, appearance, customer care)
  • self-evaluation skills
  • positive attitude to learning
  • flexible approaches to solving problems
  • adaptability and positive attitude to change
  • confidence to set goals, reflect and learn from experience
  • skills to become effective job-seekers and employees

At SCQF level 5, learners work alone or with others on straightforward tasks with support.

This qualification covers areas such as the Development and Wellbeing of Children and Young People, Play in Early Learning and Childcare, and Working in Early Learning and Childcare.

This qualification is available through schools and colleges.

Qualification structure

Group Award code: C783 75 (24 SCQF credit points)

SCQF level: 5

The Skills for Work Course in Early Learning and Childcare consists of 3 mandatory Units and 5 optional Units

For further information on the structure and units of this qualification please refer to the Course Specification document (314 KB).

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How to assess

There is no external assessment for this Course. Learners must successfully complete each Unit to achieve the Course.

Unit specifications provide detailed information on the Evidence Requirements for each Unit. The Unit Support Notes provide information on approaches to assessment for each Unit.

The Units are internally assessed by centres and externally verified by SQA.

Qualification Verification Summary Report

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Teaching and learning packs

National 5 teaching and learning packs

These Teaching and Learning packs have been developed as a supportive resource to aid the teaching and learning approach to the level 4 and 5 courses.

Care and Feeding of Children and Young People (2.11 MB)

Children and Young People: Rights and Protection - National 5 (942 KB)

Working in Early Learning and Childcare - National 4 and National 5 (0.97 MB)

Introduction to Basic First Aid - National 5

Play in Early Learning and Childcare - National 4 and National 5

Contemporary Families - National 4 and National 5

Child Development National 4 and Development and Wellbeing of Children and Young People National 5 (4.29 MB)

Assessment Support Packs for all units are available on the SQA secure website. They have been developed primarily for the purpose of the summative assessment of learners against the requirements of the unit and assessment standards.

Why study this qualification

This qualification is suitable for a wide range of learners including:

  • pupils from mainstream schools or other education establishments
  • school leavers
  • adult returners to education
  • learners in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects
  • learners participating in 16+ programmes
  • college students wishing to develop their skills and knowledge in relation to early learning and chilcare
  • trainees participating in preparation for entering employment
  • individuals involved in voluntary activities

Access

Entry is at the discretion of the centre.

Employment and progression

Successful learners may progress to:

  • Further education
  • vocational training
  • employment
  • Higher Care
  • Higher Childcare and Development
  • National Certificate in Early Education and Childcare at SCQF level 6

Qualification structure

Group Award code: C783 75 (24 SCQF credit points)

SCQF level: 5

The Skills for Work Course in Early Learning and Childcare consists of 3 mandatory Units and 5 optional Units

For further information on the structure and units of this qualification please refer to the Course Specification document (314 KB).

Unit search