Childcare
| Study Level | Level 2 |
| Duration | 1 Academic Year |
| Study Mode | Full-time |
| Start Date | September 2025 |
T Level in Education & Early Years
Qualification Gained: Northern Council for Further Education T Level Technical Qualification in Education and Early Years
Study LevelLevel 3 Course TypeSchool Leavers Duration2 Academic Years Start DateSeptember 2025 Study ModeFull-time LocationDavid Hockney BuildingOverview
Shape the young minds of today!
Delivered in our brand-new nursery environment, this course will provide you with the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to progress into skilled employment, higher-level technical training or study in the education and early years sector. You will learn all about important topics such as safeguarding, child development, special educational needs and the role of families and support agencies.
This course enables you to build a strong skillset, providing a platform for future careers relevant to this area. We deliver the specialist pathway in Early Years Education and Early Years, which will consist of both classroom-based and practical learning.
Why choose this T Level?
- Real-World Learning – This course blends classroom learning with hands-on practice, getting you ready for the workplace from the start.
- Industry-Focused – You’ll learn key topics like safeguarding, child development, special needs, and the role of families, all based on what employers need.
- Designed with Employers – Developed with input from industry professionals, this course teaches the skills employers value in Education and Early Years.
Is this course for you?
- Do you have a passion for working with children and supporting their growth and development?
- Are you interested in understanding how education and care can shape a child’s future?
- Would you like to make a real difference in the lives of young children and their families?
Does sound like the course for you? Apply now and kickstart your career in Education and Early Years.
Key Info
Skills you’ll develop:
- Key Concepts & Roles – Understand the main ideas and roles in education and early years settings.
- Child Development & Wellbeing – Know about child development and wellbeing, and be able to apply this knowledge in practice.
- Inclusive Learning Environments – Create learning environments that support all aspects of a child’s growth.
- Policies & Safeguarding – Understand the rules and policies in education and childcare, including safeguarding.
- Leadership & Teamwork – Build skills in leadership, teamwork, and working with families.
- Practical Project – Complete a project that shows your understanding of education and early years, with real-world skills
Core modules:
Year 1
- Introduction to Education and Early Years
- Child Development and Wellbeing
- Supporting Learning in Early Years
Year 2
- Policies and Practices in Education
- Advanced Practice in Early Years
- Project: Education & Early Years Practice
5 GCSEs including Maths, English Language at a grade 5 or above.
Your progress will be evaluated through:
- Exams
- Employer-set projects
- Practical assessments tailored to your chosen pathway
- Industry placement
In your first year, you’ll learn the basics, key theories, and essential skills for working in education and childcare from birth to 18 years old. In your second year, you’ll focus on practical skills like observation, assessment, and planning, with exams based on these areas.
Throughout both years, you’ll complete placements where you’ll demonstrate practical skills for your portfolio and licence to practice.
Start your path in Education and Childcare!
T Level students on this course must complete a 100-day industry placement, 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.
Work experience is required to earn your T Level Qualification and license to practice. You will have a mentor at your placement, and in college, you’ll attend weekly workshops with a Placement Assessor who will support your skill development and observe you at work.
Our work experience team has arranged placements with Kids Planet and St Edmunds & Lilycroft, both well-known nursery groups.
After completing this T Level, you’ll be ready to pursue:
- Higher Apprenticeships in Education, Early Years, or Childcare Leadership.
- University Degrees in Psychology, Play work and Child Development, Children’s Social Work and Children’s Nursing.
- Roles such as Teaching Assistant, Early Years Practitioner, or Primary Teaching.
Successful completion of your T Level qualification allows you to be employed as a Level 3 Educator within Early Years and Nursery School Settings, and is your full licence to practice. Your T Level is equivalent to 3 A-levels and will be graded from Pass to Distinction Star.
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.
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