About this course
This course is ideal for students who are interested in supporting children’s learning, development and wellbeing and are considering a career within education, early years or related professions. The T Level in Education and Early Years provides students with the knowledge and practical experience needed to progress into skilled employment, higher-level technical training or university study.
T Levels are Level 3 qualifications, equivalent to three A Levels, and have been developed with employers to ensure students gain the skills and knowledge valued by industry. This course combines classroom-based learning with a substantial industry placement, allowing students to apply their learning in a real educational environment.
Students will develop an understanding of child development, safeguarding, equality and diversity, supporting children with additional needs and working effectively with families and professionals. The 750-hour industry placement provides valuable hands-on experience, helping students build confidence and develop professional skills before progressing into further education or employment.
This course is particularly suited to students who enjoy working with others, communicating effectively and making a positive difference in children’s lives.
What will you learn?
The T Level in Education and Early Years develops the knowledge and practical skills needed to support children’s education, development and wellbeing. Students will explore key areas of education and childcare while gaining valuable experience through their industry placement.
Topics covered include:
Supporting Education – exploring how learning environments are created and how children and young people can be supported to achieve their potential.
Safeguarding – understanding safeguarding responsibilities, recognising risks and promoting the safety and welfare of children.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing – developing knowledge of how to support healthy development and maintain safe learning environments.
Child Development – exploring physical, emotional, social, cognitive and communication development from birth onwards.
Behaviour – understanding factors that influence behaviour and strategies to support positive outcomes.
Parents, Families and Carers – learning how professionals work collaboratively with families and wider support networks.
Observation and Assessment – developing skills to observe children and assess their progress and development.
Reflective Practice – learning how to evaluate your own practice and identify areas for improvement.
Equality and Diversity – understanding how to promote inclusion and respect the needs of every child.
Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) – exploring approaches to supporting children with additional needs.
English as an Additional Language (EAL) – understanding strategies to support children who are developing English language skills.
Specialism Pathway – students will develop knowledge in either Early Years Educator or Assisting Teaching.
Students will also gain practical experience during their industry placement, developing confidence in working with children and applying their knowledge in real educational settings.
Who is this course aimed at?
This course is aimed at students who are interested in careers involving children, education and supporting young people’s development. It is suitable for learners who enjoy working with others, communicating effectively and creating positive learning experiences.
Students who wish to progress to higher education courses related to Early Years, Education, Teaching or Child Psychology will benefit from the combination of academic study and practical experience. The extensive industry placement provides valuable experience that supports university applications and future employment.
This course is ideal for students who are caring, patient and interested in understanding how children learn and develop. Learners will build confidence in professional environments while developing the practical skills needed to support children, families and education professionals.
The course also provides opportunities to develop important employability skills, including teamwork, communication, organisation and professional responsibility, preparing students for a wide range of roles within the education and childcare sectors.
Students should have achieved 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English and Maths. A genuine interest in supporting children, developing learning opportunities and working within education or childcare environments is expected. This course is best suited to students who are committed, caring and motivated to develop the knowledge and practical skills needed for a career working with children.
Assessment takes place through a combination of external examinations, externally marked assignments, an Employer Set Project and successful completion of industry placement assessments. Students will complete assessments that test their knowledge of education and childcare principles, alongside practical evaluation of their skills during a minimum of 750 hours of industry placement in an early years setting.
Students will develop skills in:
Communication and Professional Skills
Communicating effectively with children, families and professionals
Teamwork and collaboration
Professional conduct in educational settings
Literacy and oracy skills
Building positive relationships
Child Development and Support Skills
Understanding child development
Supporting learning through practical activities
Observation and assessment techniques
Supporting children with SEND
Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion
Personal and Organisational Skills
Reflective practice
Problem-solving
Time management
Adaptability and resilience
Independent learning and research skills
Progression routes
Possible progression routes include careers in:
Early Years Education
Childcare
Teaching Support
Child Development
Child Protection
Family Support Services
Career opportunities may include:
Nursery Worker
Early Years Practitioner
Early Years Educator
Teaching Assistant
Learning Mentor
Childminder
Child Psychologist (following further study)
Child Protection Officer
This course also supports progression into higher education and degree-level study in areas such as Early Childhood Studies, Education, Teaching and Child Psychology. Students may also progress into higher-level apprenticeships or employment within education and childcare settings.
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