T Level Education and Early Years - Education and Early Years

This T Level is suitable for anyone wanting a career in early years education, childcare or assisting teaching. The T Level is a 2 year programme and will include a 9 week (minimum) industry placement and a Technical Qualification, where you will also choose your specialist occupation.

This programme is suitable for 16 - 19 year olds. A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade A*-C / 9-4, including Grade 4 in English and Maths is required. You must attend an interview in college and demonstrate an interest in childcare and commitment to study. You will also require a satisfactory DBS check in order to work with children.

The Technical Qualification is split into 2 component parts: In Year 1 the Core Component provides a high-level foundation of knowledge and skills that are relevant to all occupational specialisms within this qualification. In Year 2 the Occupational Specialism Component covers the knowledge, understanding, skills and behaviours required to achieve threshold competence in a chosen Occupational Specialism. The Occupational Specialisms are Early Years Educator or Assisting Teaching. You will study a wide range of childcare and education-related units.

Methods of learning will include direct teaching, small and large group work, and independent research. During the course, you will need to complete a minimum of 750 hours in nurseries/schools. Guest speakers will share their specialist knowledge with you.

Your core knowledge and skills will be assessed through exams and an employer-set project. You'll work with your tutor to decide when you're ready to be assessed on the core. Assessment of occupational specialist knowledge and skills will vary depending on the occupation. It may involve tests, practical assignments and projects. Your occupational specialist knowledge and skills will be assessed in the second year.

On successful completion of Level 3, students can progress onto various job roles in the statutory, voluntary or private sectors such as a nanny, practitioner in a nursery, reception class or pre-school. This qualification can also lead to work in home-based childcare or work abroad with children. Progression to Higher Education can also be made for teaching, social work, childhood studies and other relevant areas as the qualification has full UCAS points, (this is grade dependent).