Hosting a Social Services (Children & Young People) Foundation Apprentice
As an employer hosting an FA, you can help school pupils learn the skills for a career in children’s social services.
The Foundation Apprenticeship (FA) in Social Services (Children & Young People) allows pupils in S5 and S6 (ages 16-18) to gain a strong understanding of how children develop, learn and play, and how child protection works. Delivered over one year, the qualification is at SCQF Level 6 (equivalent to Higher) and includes:
- An NPA in Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF Level 6
- Units from the SVQ in Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF Level 6
- A work placement
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College & workplace learning
College learning
The pupil will attend NESCol to study the theory required to complete their National Progression Award (NPA).
The NPA is delivered over one academic year.
Pupils typically attend College for two half-days a week.
The topics covered in the NPA studied at NESCol are:
- Safeguarding of Children and Young People
- Play for Children and Young People
- Communication with Children and Young People
- Development of Children and Young People
- Promote the Wellbeing and Safety of Children and Young People
97%
of schools-college students would recommend NESCol¹
Workplace learning
To achieve their SVQ units, pupils will be assessed during their work placement. Ideal settings include nurseries, out of school care services, crèches or play groups.
The placement is designed to provide pupils with genuine work experience so they should be taking on real tasks that reflect your company’s day-to-day operations.
Placements typically start in October and end in April, but these can be flexible to meet the needs of the employer.
Pupils usually attend placement one full day or two half-days a week, depending on their school timetable and your organisation.
The SVQ units assessed as part of the work placement are:
- Support the Safeguarding of Children
- Support Effective Communication
- Support the Health and Safety of Yourself and Individuals
- Develop Your Own Knowledge and Practice
Pupils will collaborate with experienced staff in a supportive role, assisting with tasks such as the one-to-one support of individuals and working with small groups. They will also contribute to the planning, implementation and evaluation of play experiences within the setting.
Pupils are expected to build positive relationships with children, staff and agencies, and adhere to the organisation’s policies and procedures.
By the end of the year, pupils will be able to demonstrate:
- Good communication skills at an appropriate level for their audience and an awareness of communication difficulties that children may face.
- Familiarity with relevant educational and care frameworks such as Realising the Ambition, GIRFEC, SHANARRI and CfE.
- An awareness of local procedure related to safeguarding and children protection.
- An understanding of policies and procedures related to the Support Worker role, with evidence of starting to implement them in their practice.
- Confidence in taking responsibility for tasks assigned by staff.
- Awareness of health & safety, including risk assessments, fire safety procedures, outdoor monitoring, personal care, moving and handling, GDPR and first aid.
Progression
After completing their FA , the pupil can move on to:
- A Modern Apprenticeship
- Further study at college or university
- Employment
Previous employers have been so impressed with their apprentice, that they’ve hired them in a full-time role or as a Modern Apprentice.
Support
Mentor
The pupil is assigned a mentor from your organisation.
Work Based Assessor
The mentor and the pupil will be supported by a Work Based Assessor at NESCol, to ensure all course criteria can be met. They will also be on hand to help with any course queries.
FA Project Officer
A NESCol FA Project Officer is available for the duration of the placement as a point of contact if required.
Flexibility
The days and times for work placement are agreed prior to the start of the FA. An initial introduction with be arranged by the FA Project Officer so the mentor, staff and apprentice can meet and discuss key details.
Placement match
Where possible, we’ll match pupils with their placement provider so that their work experience is in an area of interest or an industry where they have ambitions to work.
Resources
Full breakdown of the Foundation Apprenticeship
Social Services (Children & Young People) – Course Framework
Practical examples of placement activities
Social Services (Children & Young People) – Guide for Employers
SCQF qualification levels explained
Progression pathways
Contact us
If your organisation is interested in hosting an FA, or if you have any further questions, please get in touch with the team:
¹ Source: NESCol Student Satisfaction & Engagement Survey AY 2024/25