About the Childhood Practice Awards

How were the awards developed?

Launched in 2008, the innovative Childhood Practice award is one of the first work-based awards in Scotland where entry is based on vocational qualifications (SVQs) and the experience people have gained in their career to date.  The qualifications are the result of the Standard for Childhood Practice which was launched in 2009 by Minister for Children and Early Years, Adam Ingram.

The new qualification not only makes sure that all managers have the same regulatory requirements and there are no differences in the status of their awards it ensures better outcomes and advantages for children and their parents.  Evidence shows that well led services achieve better outcomes for children partly because the people who are leading have a strong sense of where they want to take the service but also so they can work across different areas such as education, health and social services.  The Childhood Practice award is about equipping people working with children to have the skills they need to be able to achieve this. 

What do the awards look like?

Learners will achieve 360 credits, with an output at SCQF level 9.  One aim of the standard is to allow early years and child care workers to follow courses with an appropriate balance of learning related to professional knowledge and understanding, skills and abilities, and values and personal commitment.  All Childhood Practice awards are mapped against the Standard for Childhood Practice.

Who does it affect?

The Childhood Practice award which enhances the professionalism and leadership skills of those who work with children will become a requirement for all managers working in day care of children services from 1 December 2011.

Childhood Practice will be the required qualification for all managers of a day care of children service when they re register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) after 2011.  This includes managers of nurseries, crèches, playgroups and out of school care.  The awards currently available that meet this requirement are the BA Childhood Practice and Postgraduate Diploma in Childhood Practice. 

Why do I need to do this?

Evidence shows that the best experience for children come from the best qualified staff, including where the manager has a degree level award.

Visit the your questions about Childhood Practice section to find out more about the awards and hear from workers who have the awards at the news about the Childhood Practice awards section.