SQA  September 2013

SQA  September 2013

Awards for staff working  with children and young 

people age 0‐16

National Occupational StandardsAll SQA awards are based on National Occupational 

Standards (NOS)NOS describe best practice, in any sector, by bringing 

together the required skills, knowledge and values.They are used as benchmarks for qualifications and 

define roles at work.They are UK wide and are available for most 

qualifications

NOS are available for use on UKCES websitehttp://www.ukstandards.co.uk/Pa ges/index.aspx

Review of NOSWhy review the NOS?

We live in a world of perpetual change; in a society when more 

and more of us are out at work and all of us are living longer than 

ever before. Our needs are changing; our demands are increasing.

We all want to live in a society that is healthy, prosperous, 

tolerant, safe, fair and inclusive. 

As the structure and complexity of our society changes then so 

too must the care and support we provide to vulnerable 

individuals, children and families. So too must the qualifications 

we offer reflect the changing nature of society and the landscape 

of legislation and guidance within which we work.

The Focus of the Review

•Credit rating and levelling against SCQF•Core skill mapping •Qualification structures•Assessment strategy

Current Qualifications for  Childhood Practice

Progression is now  possible from  school to 

Degree level.

Skills for Work

NC/NPA

HNC

PDA 8

HND

PDA 9

SVQ 2

SVQ 3

SVQ 4

The BA in Childhood  Practice is also available 

but is not an SQA award

Qualifications‐

A New LandscapeNew qualifications are driven by:

New legislation

The Government agenda

Guidance and Policy

Demands of registration with SSSC

The progression agenda

How new awards are put togetherCurrently the HNC Childhood Practice and the SVQs

are being renewed to ensure that they are based on  the NOS, reflect current legislation and new 

theoretical thinkingBoth qualifications are outdated and a Qualifications 

Development Team (QDT) has been put in place for  both awards

The launch date for the new VQs

is November and  January 2014 for the new HNC

Universal KnowledgeThe NOS details universal knowledge in order to assist 

consistency and reduce repetition. The review of the HNC and the SVQ awards is based on 

this Universal Knowledge.Integration of knowledge and practice is fundamental 

within  Social Services, the Health Sector and in  Childhood Practice and is highlighted within the new 

awards

SCDCCLD0306 Plan and organise environments for children and families

Knowledge and understanding

You need to know and understand:

Rights

1.legal and work setting requirements on equality, diversity, discrimination and rights 2,your role in promoting children and young people’s rights, choices, wellbeing and active participation3,your duty to report any acts or omissions that could infringe the rights of children and young people4.how to deal with and challenge discrimination5.the rights that key people, children and young

people have to make complaints and be supported to do so

You need to know and understand:Your practice• legislation, codes of practice, standards, frameworks and guidance relevant to your work, your work setting and the content of this standard • how your own background, experiences and beliefs may have an impact on your practice • your own roles, responsibilities and accountabilities with their limits and boundaries• the roles, responsibilities and accountabilities of others with whom you work

The New HNC in Childhood PracticeThe QDT are currently working on the award and the 

reviewed HNC will be available to training providers  in January 2014 and will be delivered from August 

2014.The new award will be based on the NOS and reflect all 

of the changes in thinking, Scottish legislation ,  guidance and policy relating to children 0‐16 and their 

families.The award will also have 3 of the core units from the 

SVQ level 3 embedded as workplace practice.

SVQsThe current SVQs

have been extended until 31 January 

2014 to allow the transition from the old awards to the  new awards. Candidates who start before this date 

will have time to complete the awardThe new SVQs

will

be called Social Services Children 

and Young people (SSCYP) and will cover the age  range  0‐16 and candidates will have to cover 

Universal Knowledge as well as provide evidence of  their practice.

The 3 core units will be common across the Social  Services awards

SCDCCLD0306 Plan and organise 

environments for 

children and 

families

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

Plan and provide a positive and safe physicalenvironment in which to promote children’s social, emotional, cognitive and linguistic development

1. work with others to assess what is necessary to create and maintain a safe and secure environment 2. ensure the physical environment meets regulatory and health and safety requirements and protects the child from danger and harm3. develop and maintain systems and procedures for risk assessment and health and safety, according to work setting requirements4. adapt the environment to meets the child’s, parents and key people’s preferences and needs, according to their developmental stage 5. ensure that the environment promotes inclusion and active participation of the child, parents and key people1. promote and value diversity within the environment and range of activities provided

New awards in DevelopmentThere is an award under development at the moment in 

line with the Government’s Play Strategy.It will be delivered to local authority personnel whose 

job role has a relationship to play in communities e.g.  housing officers, parks and recreation, roads etc. 

Questions and Discussion

Thank You Barbara Dale ‐

Chair of the Board of Directors of SPPA and

Senior External Verifier Children’s Care Learning and Development Scottish Qualifications Authority

A Flexible Approach to Scottish Qualifications.

Sybil Taylor WorkplaceAssessor.

Experience in delivering CCLD SVQ Level 3 and 4

Range of settings

Staff with a variety of experience.

Staff in a variety of roles.

All require qualification.

A Flexible ApproachReasons:

Current demands.

Need to keep up to date.

Current Demands

Structure of society:

Changes in family life

Recession

Outdated standards

Required knowledge, skills, values

SSSC registration

Range of Settings.

Playgroup

Nursery/private and voluntary sector

Childminder/home setting

Out of School Care

Playwork

Resources.

Staffing level

Budget

Venue/space

Experience

Governing Body

Time 

Tailor Made Packages.

Group award/120 credits across the level

4 units “top up”

56/59 credits

1‐3 units/cover gaps/specified knowledge and or skills required

E.g New HNC to incorporate 3 units at Level 3

CPD‐

specified for one setting

Distance learning‐tutor and “training portal”

support/assessment

Where there is a will‐‐‐‐‐

Customised awards

Individual needs

Different routes

SVQ Tailor made assessment. 

Candidates “lead”

their own progression

Agree assessment plans

Agree observations

Agree timescales/deadlines

Fit in with workload and team in setting