The T-Level Technical Qualification in Education and Early Years is designed for post-16 students (typically aged 16 to 19) who want to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for a career in education, childcare, or early years settings.
It is equivalent to three A-Levels and combines classroom learning with a substantial industry placement.
The course is delivered over two years and combines classroom learning with extensive industry placement experience. In the first year students will study the early years foundation stage. In year two students will choose their occupational specialisms: Early Years Educator or Assistant Teaching.
Students benefit from employer engagement activities, guest speakers, workplace visits, and opportunities to develop professional skills required in the education and childcare sectors. Successful completion of the qualification can support progression to employment, higher apprenticeships, or university-level study. Students are expected to demonstrate high levels of professionalism, attendance, and commitment, particularly during industry placements.
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Entry requirements
GCSE Grade 4 in English and Maths
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Who is the course for?
The T-Level Technical Qualification in Education and Early Years is designed for post-16 students (typically aged 16 to 19) who want to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for a career in education, childcare, or early years settings.
It is equivalent to three A-Levels and combines classroom learning with a substantial industry placement.
This course is aimed at students interested in becoming an Early Years Educator or who want to work in teaching support or assisting teaching roles. -
Study methods
Students learn through a combination of:
- Classroom-based learning covering key theoretical knowledge and professional practice
- Industry placement with an employer, allowing students to develop practical skills in a real education or childcare setting
- Workshops, seminars and group activities to develop communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
- Independent study and research to support academic learning
- Reflective practice activities to evaluate and improve professional performance
- Practical observations and assessments within placement settings.
- Classroom-based learning covering key theoretical knowledge and professional practice
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How is the course assessed?
For the core component assessment students complete two written examinations that test their understanding of the core content. There is also an Employer Set Project (ESP), where students apply their knowledge to realistic workplace scenarios.
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More information
For further information about the course, applications, progression opportunities, or industry placements, please contact:
Fiona Hyland Section Manager, Early Years:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Elisa Ilbarondo Curriculum Team Leader (CTL), Early Years:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
They can provide advice on:- Course content and delivery
- Industry placements
- Progression to university and apprenticeships
- Careers in education and childcare
- Application and enrolment guidance
- Additional Information.
Students do not require a kit/uniform.
The Early Years department has established strong links with employers and higher education providers to enrich students' learning, broaden career awareness, and support progression into the education and childcare sector.
- Course content and delivery
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Where Next – Job Opportunities
The T-Level Technical Qualification in Education and Early Years prepares students for a wide range of careers within the education, childcare and early years sectors, as well as progression to higher education and apprenticeships.
Students develop industry-relevant knowledge and practical experience through their substantial industry placement, making them well prepared for employment or further study.
Students may progress directly into roles such as:- Early Years Educator
- Nursery Practitioner
- Nursery Room Leader (with experience)
- Teaching Assistant
- Classroom Support Assistant
- Learning Support Assistant
- SEND Support Worker
- Family Support Worker
- Playworker
- Preschool Practitioner
- Childcare Practitioner.
- Early Years Educator
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Where Next – Further Studies
Higher Education Students can progress to a range of university courses, including:
- BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies
- BA (Hons) Education Studies
- BA (Hons) Childhood and Youth Studies
- BA (Hons) Primary Education (subject to university entry requirements)
- Special Educational Needs and Inclusion
- Child Development and Psychology
- Social Work (with additional entry requirements)
- Teacher Training pathways following completion of a relevant degree.
The T-Level programme carries UCAS tariff points, enabling students to apply for university in the same way as students completing A-Levels.
- BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies
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How to apply
To apply for a course either click the APPLY NOW button - fill out the form online and submit
OR download an application form here and post it to the address on the form.
When we have received your application we will contact you to arrange an interview time.
