- Home
- Childcare and Education
T Level Education and Early Years - Early Years pathway
T Level Education and Early Years - Early Years pathway
2026/27
Course Overview
Course Code
P01004
Start Date
07/09/2026
Study Hours
Full Time
Duration
2 years
Start time
09:00 am
End time
17:00 pm
Campus
Abbey Park Campus
Level
Level 3
T level courses are the latest programme of study available at level 3, making them equivalent to 3 A levels. The biggest difference between the two is the work placement included as part of the T Level. This is something that the Universities as well as our students have gone on to really appreciate.
You will work in supportive classrooms to understand childcare and education's core parts in [reparation you for your placement in childcare, which will take place across the first and second year of college, applying all the knowledge of year one to the real world. In total, you will need to complete over 100 days in placement, as well as pass assessments in placement as a competent worker.
You will take part in activities that help you to develop your personal skills, such as building your character and confidence. This will help you to live well and move into your chosen career.
In year one, you will cover the 12 core elements of education and childcare. This year of in-college lessons, workshops and sessions with expert tutors are truly comprehensive. Added to this will be your first work placement. This will be in a primary school. Back in the classroom you will look at;
1. An overview of childcare and education from ages 0 to 19, including childcare, school and post-16. An introduction to education and childcare work, looking at roles, responsibilities and career opportunities.
2. Child development from birth to 19, exploring early-years personal development, language and how carers can support children through transitions and significant life events.
3. Understanding the early year's foundation framework (EYFF), the national curriculum, how to support children and young people’s education and factors that affect this.
4. Safeguarding, health and safety and wellbeing – all the statutory guidance and legal requirements as well as the importance of children and young people’s emotional health and wellbeing.
5. How children and young people’s development affects verbal and non-verbal behaviour, and the strategies you can use to support behavioural development.
6. An overview of national test assessments and assessors and why it’s important to report on children and young people’s progress.
7. The basic principles of current equality and diversity practice and why we should promote diversity, equality and inclusion.
8. Provision for children and young people with disabilities and special educational needs – think professionals and organisations involved with SEND, different models of disability, empowering children and young people and removing barriers.
9. A range of aspects and strategies to support children and young people when English is an additional language.
10. The importance of parents, families and carers and how to work with and support them.
11. How to work collaboratively and establish effective relationships with agencies, services and professionals who support children, families and carers.
12. The importance of continuing professional development, with models of reflection and feedback.
The second year is looking at the occupation specialism. This is where all the knowledge and theories of year one finds their place in the real world. You, your classmates and your tutors examine all the ways you can support the children as they learn about themselves and the world around them.
You explore ways to develop and build relationships with children, and how to plan, provide and review care, play and educational opportunities so each child can progress and build the best future you can. As with year one, there is significant amount of time in a real world work placement. This year you will be in a day nursery dealing with children from birth to four years old.
You will also begin your industry placement this year, where you will be working towards five key learning outcomes:
1. Supporting and promoting children’s play, development, and early education
2. Developing relationships with children to facilitate their development
3. Planning, providing and reviewing care, play, and educational opportunities to enable children to progress
4. Safeguarding and promoting the health, safety, and wellbeing of children
5. Working in partnership with colleagues, parents, carers, and other professionals to support children’s development.
During your placement in a nursery or school, you build your confidence with real-life experience and you work through your employer-set project to show you’ve grasped the intricacies of this career path.
Safeguarding and promoting the health, safety and wellbeing of children is vital, and you also learn to work effectively with colleagues, parents, carers and other professionals in a child’s life, ensuring the child is at the center of everything you do.
Standard entry to this course requires 5 GCSEs including both English Language and maths at grade 4 or above, plus three other GCSE's at grade 4 or above. Additionally, this course requires one reference (usually from your school). For students progressing from Level 2, Functional Skills in both English and maths at Level 2, as well as passing your vocational Level 2 course is required. In all cases, it is desirable that you can demonstrate a minimum of 90% attendance at your last place of study.
- Material fee: £30
- Annual Tuition fee: £0
There are no tuition fees to study a T Level if you start before you are 19 years old but there will be £30 material costs that will need to be paid at the start of the course.
This is a professional programme and all students are expected to wear a uniform, in college and in placement. This is bought online from our suppliers. Further details on uniform requirements are available from the workplace coordinator or programme lead during enrolments.
You will need to have an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to work with children and vulnerable adults, to ensure that you do not have a criminal record.
From here, your path might take you into nursery work, childminding or into a role as a special educational needs teaching assistant. You could also consider university and step into qualified teaching programmes. With a T level in early years education and childcare, you could even consider working abroad.
Students can also use this T Level to do a related higher level of apprenticeship or go on to do a relevant degree course.
Have a chat with your Programme Lead, or one of our independent careers advisors to work out your next step. They have all the information, advice and guidance you need to kickstart your career.
Apply online via the college website, or if your school uses the Positive Steps @16 (PS16) application system please apply through this and speak to your careers advisor if you are unsure. You will need details of your qualifications, a reference, and a personal statement to complete your application. Once your application has been successfully processed, you will be sent a conditional offer and be invited to an interview at the College to meet key staff, learn more about your chosen course of study and tour the facilities. You will then need to confirm your acceptance of the course offered to you.
Course Overview
Course Code
P01004
Start Date
07/09/2026
Study Hours
Full Time
Duration
2 years
Start time
09:00 am
End time
17:00 pm
Campus
Abbey Park Campus
Level
Level 3