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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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