Entry Requirements
- Minimum of 5x 9-4 grades in GCSE examinations including
English Language and Maths.
Qualification Aims and Objectives
This course explores how education and early-years practice support children and young people’s learning, development and wellbeing. You’ll learn about child development, supporting education, safeguarding and behaviour management, and complete an extended industry placement to apply your skills in real settings.
Objectives
- Develop knowledge of how children and young people develop physically, intellectually, socially and emotionally.
- Apply teaching and support skills to real-world educational settings and early years practice.
- Build reflective, analytical and professional skills through placement experience.
- Understand safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusive practice in education and care settings.
- Prepare for further study and careers in teaching, early years education, assisting roles and education support services.
Course Outline
This course explores how children learn, develop, and thrive from birth to early adulthood. You’ll study child development, behaviour, safeguarding, and inclusive practice, learning how to support the needs of all learners. The course builds the knowledge, confidence, and professional skills required to work effectively with children and young people, combining theory with real-world experience in educational and early years settings.
Course Structure
The qualification is split into two parts:
- Core Component – covers child development, supporting education, safeguarding, special educational needs, and working with families and professionals.
- Occupational Specialism: Early Years Educator – focuses on working directly with children up to age five, planning and delivering purposeful activities, and assessing children’s progress.
- You’ll complete a minimum of 750 hours in a professional placement, applying what you learn in real classrooms and early years environments.
Assessment
- External assessments: Written exams and an employer-set project assessing core knowledge and skills.
- Practical assessments: Synoptic tasks and observations within your occupational specialism.
- Placement performance: Demonstrates competence in professional standards and childcare practice.
Future courses and possible careers:
Nursery Worker • Teaching Assistant • Early Years Educator • Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teaching Assistant • Playworker • Portage Home Visitor • Higher-Level Apprenticeship • Teacher Training • Education Support Services
The T Level is equivalent to 3 A Levels. Students do not study other qualifications alongside this.