T Level Education and Early Years
This T Level is an engaging course which provides learners with an understanding of how children grow, learn and develop within the early years. T Levels (Technical Levels) are a Level 3 qualification that combine theory and practical learning with an industry placement. They have been developed in collaboration with employers to ensure the content meets the needs of industry to prepare students for work. A T Level is equivalent to three A Levels. Experience with a real employer in a real workplace allows you to apply the skills and knowledge you learn in the classroom to the job, giving you a taste of the world of work you expect once you complete your studies. Around 80% of your time will be spent at college with the remaining 20% being spent at your placement. This differs to an apprenticeship, which is typically 80% on the job and 20% in the classroom.
Key information
Education & Care / Full Time / T Levels
Why choose this course?
A T Level in Education and Early Years will provide you with an inspiring curriculum that will offer you the academic knowledge and occupational competency required for a rewarding and exciting career in the Early Years sector. Working alongside children, whether it be in an Early Years provider or Reception class in a Primary School, is a rewarding role and you will develop your skills to provide a safe and stimulating environment which enables children to reach their full potential.
The course offers a range of topics within the first year of study that embed your core knowledge before applying and expanding this to your occupational specialism of Early Years Educator within the second year. The occupational specialism in the second year offers an emphasis on the importance and development of your work-based competency and will be a central feature of your assessments throughout the second year of your study. The T Level offers opportunities for you to learn through a variety of student-centred approaches, including lectures, practical sessions, workplace observations and external assessments. You will be expected to keep up to date with the current changes in the Early Years and Education sector in line with government policy and take personal responsibility to track your ongoing placement hours.
You will have the opportunity to work with children in settings that utilise the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. You will complete a minimum of 750 hours in placement across the two-year course; this ensures you gain the breadth of practice and experience necessary to successfully apply your knowledge and expand your skillset. Placements could include Primary Schools, Nurseries, Pre-Schools and Childminders.
What will I learn?
Year 1: Core Knowledge
Exploring sector provision for Education and Childcare.
Child Development, Behaviour and English as an Additional Language.
Approaches to learning for positive outcomes in Education and Childcare for Children and Young People.
Professional Practice including observation and assessment.
Working with others including parents, families and carers.
Equality and Diversity.
Special Educational Needs and Disability.
Year 2: Occupational Specialism
Recap of year one elements with a new focus on Early Years provision.
Supporting children’s play, development and early education.
Developing relationships with children to facilitate learning.
Safeguarding and promoting wellbeing.
There may also be opportunities to gain qualifications in:
Paediatric First Aid
Safeguarding
Food Safety
Assessment Arrangements
At the end of the first year, you will be assessed via two exam papers and an Employer Set Project (ESP). The ESP gives you a scenario of a child based in an Early Years setting with a particular developmental need. You will be tasked to create a holistic plan for the child and an activity plan aimed at targeting one of the developmental needs you identify. You will then present this plan to your peers who will give your verbal feedback and possible additions or adjustments to consider. You will create a final activity plan and present this to a member of staff and conduct a professional discussion about your choices. This will aid your time management, organisational and research skills which will contribute to effective practice when working within the Early Years and Education sector.
During the second year, your competency within industry will be assessed in practice through observations and Professional Discussions. You will also have two timed, written assignments, which will continue to demonstrate your developing ability to plan activities and support for children, linking to relevant curriculum and policy documents.
Where will it take me?
There are a wide range of progression opportunities available upon completion of the T Level. As the T Level is vocational and assesses your occupational competency, upon successful completion of your occupational competencies, you can enter the employment sector directly or progress to Higher Education. As we offer two different occupational specialisms, depending upon the occupational specialism you choose, you can enter the Early Years Sector as an Early Years Educator, Childminder or Private Nanny or gain employment as a Teaching Assistant within a mainstream school, specialist school or private school, work within the Family Support area and much more.
The T-Level has a balance of academic and vocational requirements, providing learners with UCAS points that they can take forward into Higher Education. Progression routes can include but are not limited to BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies, BEd in Early Years or primary Education, BA (Hons) Education, BSc Speech and Language Therapy.
What do I need?
To study a T Level in Education and Early Years (Early Years Educator), you need to demonstrate your commitment to your two-year programme of study and have a desire for working alongside children. Additionally, we require you to have four GCSEs at Grade 4 or above. This must include either English Language or Literature and Maths and two other GCSEs at a minimum of Grade 4. Please note that if you aspire to become a Teacher in Primary Education, you will need Science at Grade 4.
You will also be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance check which we will complete in college with you.
Information & Support
Working within the Student Services area, the Student Support team and your tutor will see you on a one-to-one basis and offer advice and guidance on financial and personal issues careers advice and guidance and much more. A professional team of staff work together with your personal tutor to support you so that you can successfully complete your course and recognise pathways to progression after leaving college.
Additional Information
To obtain more information about this course, please call: 01208 224000 or email enquiry@callywith.ac.uk