Foundation T Level: Education & Early Years

Qualification Gained: Northern Council for Further Education Certificate in Working with Children in Early Years and Primary Settings

Study LevelLevel 2 Course TypeSchool Leavers Duration1 Academic Year Start DateSeptember 2026 Study ModeFull-time LocationDavid Hockney Building

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Overview

Get ready for an exciting journey into the world of education and childcare!
This Foundation T Level course is designed the skills and confidence to work with children aged 0-11. You’ll learn about child development, safeguarding, and how to create positive learning environments. With a mix of classroom study and practical experience, this course is the perfect stepping stone to the full T Level in Education & Early Years and beyond.
Successful completion of this course earns you the NCFE Cache Level 2 Certificate in Working with Children in Early Years and Primary Settings.
Why choose a Foundation T Level?

Practical Experience – Gain hands-on skills through real-world learning alongside classroom study.
Career Pathway – Designed to progress onto the Education & Early Years T Level and careers in teaching, childcare, or support roles.
Future Leaders in Education – If you dream of working in nurseries, schools, or early years settings, this course is your first step.

This course is ideal for you if:

You are interested in caring for and educating young children.
You want to develop practical skills alongside classroom learning.
You are considering a career in childcare, early years education, or primary teaching.

If this sounds like you, apply now and take your first step towards an exciting future in Education & Early Years!

Key Info

Skills you’ll develop:

Communication & Teamwork – Develop strong communication skills to work effectively with children, parents, and colleagues.
Adaptability & Problem-Solving – Learn how to handle challenges and create supportive learning environments for children of different ages and needs.
Confidence & Leadership – Build the confidence to engage with children and lead activities that encourage their learning and development.

Core modules:

Child development from birth to 11 years and 11 months
Play and Learning
Exploring Legislation
The role of the childcare practitioner
Nutrition
Physical development & physical activity

Entry requirements are GCSEs at grade 4 in Maths and English Language. If you do not have a 4 in both we would accept a 3 in one of these subjects so long as you had a minimum of 4 in the other.

English and/or Maths will be included in your timetable if you have not achieved a GCSE at grade 4 or above in these subjects when you start your course.

Your progress will be evaluated through:

Coursework
Termly Assessments
Assignments
Work Experience Assessments

Kickstart your career in Education & Early Years!

Foundation T Level students on this course will complete 1 day each week of work experience where you’ll dive into the world of work and gain the skills employers are looking for. You will:

Get hands-on and work on real projects.
Boost your confidence and learn how to plan tasks, meet deadlines, and make smart decisions.
Collaborate with professionals and see how great ideas come to life when people work together.
Understand how to maintain a safe and productive work environment.
Be part of a workplace that values diversity and promotes equality.

With this industry placement, you’ll have hands-on experience to showcase on your CV, demonstrating your industry skills to employers.

After completing this Foundation T Level, you’ll be ready to pursue:

Progression to our T Level in Education & Early Years.
Apprenticeships in Education and Early Years, and Teaching.
Further study in education and early years related fields.

Early Years & Childcare

Learn more about this subject area at Bradford College

If you have any questions or require any additional information, please contact [email protected]

Disclaimer: Our prospectus, college documents and website are simply here to offer a guide. We accept no liability for any inaccurate statements and are not responsible for any negative outcomes if you rely on an inaccurate statement. We reserve the right to withdraw any programmes or service at any time.