This Professional Development Award (PDA) is an industry-recognised qualification designed for lead practitioners and managers of childcare and playwork settings. This qualification is equivalent to a university degree and accepted by the SSSC for registration.
For those with qualifications in social work, community education and nursing we can offer the 60 credits of management and leadership required by the SSSC.

Our next course will start in October 2020 - an evening class at Sighthill campus.

This course begins with a short course in academic writing, to ensure students are prepared for submitting assessments. You will be taught by highly qualified and experienced lecturers and have individual support from Edinburgh College allowing you to progress professionally and academically.
A career in childhood practice is more than just a job. With plenty of opportunities for progression, each day can be different.

You may be able to access funding for course fees from your local authority childcare partnership or receive a proportion from the SAAS part-time fee grant.

Contact jacqueline.vural@edinburghcollege.ac.uk for more information or to register your interest. 

• 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 own 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, play theories and collaborative working.
• The final unit offers students the opportunity to develop an organisational operational plan based on the knowledge they have gained during the course.

• Applicants should be in a senior or lead practitioner role in a childhood practice setting.
• A five day placement in a different setting is required when you will shadow the manager to observe practice.
  

• You must have 240 credits at SCQF Level 7 and 8 in relevant subjects to gain entry to this course.

• IELTS 6.5

• The course will take place over two academic years and will include a range of different learning opportunities and tutorial sessions including online learning, research, and discussion groups; all with full support from our experienced staff. 

• You must complete an application pack which is available from Jacqueline.vural@edinburghcollege.ac.uk 
  

• Postgraduate study in a related field 

• Register with the SSSC at lead practitioner/manager level 

• One day per week (morning or evening) 

After studying Music at university, Childhood Practice PDA SCQF Level 9 student Gavin explored a range of different careers before finding his calling in childcare and early learning. He told us why a career in childcare is so rewarding: 

“I work as a centre manager at Midlothian Sure Start, a voluntary organisation with charitable status, which aims to give young children from pre-birth to 11 years the best possible start in life. I’m studying Childhood Practice PDA Level 9 as part of my professional development and I’m learning skills which will enable me to help shape children’s futures.”