SVQ Awards for the early learning and childcare workforce
We are an SQA approved centre and deliver a range of Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) suitable for the early learning and childcare workforce. The service has more than 25 years’ experience in providing vocational qualifications with and for the ELC workforce across Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire areas. We have extensive knowledge and understanding of the training and development needs of the workforce, including childminders and staff working in school-aged childcare services.
We are ambitious for all learners who participate in our programmes. We aim to foster your ambition to develop your skills, knowledge and practice to enable you to provide high-quality play, care and learning for the children, young people and families you support.
The SVQ team comprises experienced and qualified SVQ Assessors, Internal Verifiers and trainers who are dedicated and committed to their own professional development, which underpins the quality of the service we provide.
How we support you
As an SVQ candidate, you will receive personalised individual assessor support to meet your needs, boost confidence and enable achievement. Our Equal Opportunities Policy demonstrates our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and Our Fair and Equal Access to Assessment Policy ensures we focus on the individual needs of each learner.
SVQ assessment occurs in the workplace, and you will receive regular assessor meetings to plan, carry out, and give feedback on your assessments. You will be asked to complete assessments within agreed timescales, and you will be given extra time if needed.
The qualifications we provide
- Scottish Vocational Qualifications in Social Services Children and Young People (SSCYP) appropriate for those working with a variety of age ranging children.
- Scottish Vocational Qualifications in Playwork (PW) appropriate for those working with school-aged children.
- SSCYP and PW SCQF Level 6: suitable for support workers.
- SSCYP and PWSCQF Level 7: suitable for practitioners.
- SSCYP and PW SCQF Level 9: suitable for senior practitioners, leaders and managers.
Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) are work-based qualifications. They work as a guarantee that someone can do their job well and to the national standards for their sector (SQA about SVQs). The qualifications we provide enable registration with the Scottish Social Services Council which is a requirement for all staff working with children and young people.
What candidates say
"I have learnt many new skills and developed my confidence in so many ways thanks to the support given to me from Aberlour Futures.
I completed my SVQ Playwork Level 4 (SCQF 9) with Aberlour and had the challenge of doing this through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aberlour adapted really well to the pandemic and my assessor was always on hand to help with any queries I had whether this be via email, phone or video call.
Working towards this qualification helped me to develop my current skills and learn some new ones which I put into practice. It also encouraged me to share the knowledge, skills and ideas I had learnt through completing my award with my colleagues. Completing the award was a proud achievement for me and it was thanks to my assessor, who guided me every step of the way with her enthusiasm, encouragement and charisma."
- Samantha Magson, SVQ Candidate
