T Level Education & Childcare Level 3

T Level Education & Early Years Level 3

MOA
egg-timerFull Time
Level
arrowLevel 3
Type
hat16-18
Duration
calendar2 Years
Location
pinLancaster & Morecambe College
Start date: 01/09/2025

The T Level in Education and Early Years is a Level-3, 2-year programme which is suitable for anyone wanting a career in early years education, childcare or assisting teaching. The course is equivalent to 3 A Levels.

This qualification provides students with the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to progress into skilled employment or higher-level technical training or study in the education and childcare sector.

Course Overview

Student’s study core content and develop an understanding of:

  • The education and childcare sector from ages 0-19

  • Child development

  • How to support children and young people’s education

  • Safeguarding, health and safety and wellbeing

  • Understanding and managing behaviour

  • Observing and assessing children and young people

  • Equality and diversity

  • Special education needs and disability

  • English as an additional language

  • Working with parents, carers and wider families

  • Working with agencies and services that support children, families and carers

  • Reflective practice and other forms of professional development

In addition to the core content, students will complete the occupational specialism Early Years Educator.

Students who successfully achieve the T Level with the Early Years Education and Childcare occupational specialism can be counted in the employment ratios for childcare. English, mathematics and digital skills have also been embedded throughout the content.

Assessment is through:

  • 2 written exams (Paper A and Paper B)

  • An employer set project (ESP) devised and set by the awarding body

Students will receive marks for each aspect to create one grade for core component. There is also the opportunity for students to retake the core assessments (must take both Paper A and Paper B) in order to improve their marks. The core component is 100% externally assessed.

Assessment for the occupational specialism is through a synoptic assessment. This requires learners to apply their learning from a range of units. This is also externally assessed. Students will also be required to meet skills and reach competence in a range of practical situations.

The programme of study is five days a week, which is usually three days in college and two days in an industrial placement. There will be a requirement for students to complete home study as part of this qualification.

During the study programme there will be a programme of enrichment opportunities. You will benefit from inspiring trips and experiences, meetings with industry experts, visits to leading companies in the sector, university visits, and support with university applications, masterclasses from local employers and university experts to name a few.

Industry Links

This course involves a substantial industry placement with an external employer. There is a requirement on the T Level qualification to complete 750 hours in a placement setting. The Early Years Educator specialism requires that students demonstrate full competence within a childcare setting, and gain sufficient occupational experience to be a competent employee in the early years sector.

The content for this qualification was devised by T Level panels consisting of employers and stakeholders in the industry, and has been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses to ensure the content prepares learners for the world of work.

Progression Routes

When students complete a T Level study programme, they will be able to choose between moving into

  • A skilled occupation

  • Higher or degree level apprenticeships

  • Higher level technical study, including higher education

Students who complete this qualification can progress into roles such as nursery worker, teaching assistant, special educational needs assistant and playworker. Students can also use this T-Level to do a higher-level apprenticeship or a degree course.

UCAS points are allocated to the overall T Level grade.

Entry Requirements

Students need to demonstrate the values and behaviours required for occupational roles in education and childcare, including effective communication and working with others.

Entry requirements:

5 GCSEs at grade 4 and above including English and mathematics

A Level 2 Diploma qualification in the subject area with GCSE maths and English at grade 4.

Satisfactory interview, assessment, school report and / or satisfactory reference.

(Note – It is usual for Higher Education Primary Education with QTS course entry requirements to also ask for Science at grade 4).

You will also need:

  • Enthusiasm for the subject

  • Commitment to study (positive attendance, punctuality and behaviour)

  • To be able to work independently

  • To enjoy working with people

  • Good interpersonal skills

  • A proven interest and enjoyment in working with children

  • Evidence of practical skills when working with children

  • A satisfactory DBS check

How to Apply

If you would like to apply for this course, please click 'Apply' in the top right, follow the steps, and our Admissions Team will be in touch with you.

For more information, advice and guidance please phone Student & Learning Services on 01524 521385 or 0800 306306 or email advice@lmc.ac.uk

Course code: A36461-A1A