Childhood Practice

Childhood practice is a professional field concerned with the care, development, and education of young children, typically from birth through to the primary school years. It draws on developmental psychology, child health, early years pedagogy, and family support to understand and promote children's wellbeing and learning during the most formative years of their lives. Practitioners in this field work in nurseries, early years settings, family centres, and schools, taking a holistic view of the child and working in partnership with families and other professionals to create environments in which children can thrive.

At the University of the Highlands and Islands, this part-time programme combines coursework completed independently with workplace-based learning and assessment, making it well suited to those who are already working in an early years or childcare setting. You will complete course tasks independently, with the option of tasks set by your lecturer or chosen by you, and you will be supported, monitored, and assessed in your workplace, meaning your professional practice forms a central part of your learning experience. You will develop your understanding of child development, play-based learning, inclusive practice, and the regulatory and ethical frameworks that govern work with young children, building a more reflective and theoretically grounded approach to your practice.

Graduates of childhood practice programmes are prepared for a range of professional roles in early years education and childcare. Many work as early years practitioners, room leaders, or nursery managers, with the qualification supporting career progression within the early years sector. The programme also provides a foundation for further study in childhood studies, education, or social work.

Those who wish to move into the primary teaching profession can pursue initial teacher education following the degree. The early years and childcare sector is a significant and growing area of employment, and well-qualified practitioners with a strong grounding in child development and early years pedagogy are in consistent demand.