IF YOU are thinking about a career in childcare, now is the perfect time to start studying.

Working with children is one of the most rewarding things you can do - and it can also be a lot of fun.

Children are naturally curious and enthusiastic for learning and play, and this often rubs off on those working with them.

In the same way, the people who work with children are able to help them by encouraging and supporting them to explore and develop an understanding of the world around them.

There’s more to childcare than building sandcastles, making dens, or creating glitter paintings. Early learning professionals are responsible for giving children the best start in life using ideas and activities that help their little personalities grow.

Find out more about a career in childcare. LINK: http://www.fife.ac.uk/courses/Pages/Childcare.aspx

Recent government initiatives have led to a huge increase in the provision of childcare for children and young people. This in turn means that there are greatly increased opportunities to work with children and young people in Fife and across Scotland and the rest of the UK.

To help meet the demands for new childcare professionals, Fife College has extra places available on their extremely popular HNC: Childhood Practice course starting in August 2018, as well as on their brand new part-time HNC.

The college’s extremely popular HNC Childhood Practice course is the ideal practitioner level qualification in childcare and early education. LINK: http://www.fife.ac.uk/student/courses/course/HCCHP

On the HNC course, you’ll study a variety of units. The course covers everything from leadership, care in contemporary society, and health, wellbeing and safeguarding, to lifespan development theoretical approaches, support for play learning and development, and promoting health, safety and security in the work setting.

You’ll also have the opportunity to develop your practice through reflection and learning.

Another huge benefit of the course is the opportunity for practical, real-life work experience. You will undertake a two-day work placement within a childcare setting, providing you with valuable experience of working with children while giving you the opportunity to link theory to practice.

If you can answer yes to any of the following questions, HNC Childhood Practice is the perfect course for you:

* Do you have an existing NC or other older qualification in childcare and would you like to return to college to progress to an HNC?

* Are you currently working in a childcare or early years setting and would you like to formalise your qualifications?

* Do you have a keen interest in working with children and young people?

Find out more about HNC: Childhood Practice at Fife College and how to apply.

LINK: http://www.fife.ac.uk/student/courses/course/HCCHP