T Level in Education and Childcare: Early Years Educator
| Mode of study | T Levels |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Campus | London Road Campus |
| Start date | 1 September 2025 |
| Course code | FLR3TEC (2527) |
About T Levels
T levels or Technical Levels are groundbreaking new qualifications which are equivalent to 3 A Levels. T Levels offer students a mixture of classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ experience during an industry placement of a minimum of 750 hours over 2 years.
T Levels have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for work, further training, or study.
T Levels are ideal if you have completed your GCSEs, and wish to continue your studies but also want to get into a skilled job. They are also great if you prefer a practical approach to your studies.
They enable you to build knowledge and experience to help you get the job you want. T Levels are developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so you will have the skills that employers in your chosen industry need.
T Levels are ideal for you if you are focused on a particular career or work skills and either want to progress to university, further training, an apprenticeship, or employment.
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Who is it for?
A career in an early years setting will suit you if you are caring, responsible, patient, calm, efficient, energetic and creative. This is a two-year technical study programme, designed with employers to give young people the skills that the childcare and education sector needs.
The core element of a T Level in education and childcare will allow you to develop your knowledge and understanding of a broad range of topics such as child development, safeguarding and special educational needs, as well as learning about the role of families and support agencies. You will learn to provide children with a range of knowledge and skills to help them develop a foundation for good progress throughout their lives. You will be able to support young children aged from birth to five years in the Early Years Foundation stage.
It will provide a mixture of:- Technical knowledge and skills
- An industry placement of at least 45 days in childcare settings, with a minimum of 750 hours
- Relevant maths, English and digital skills.
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Entry Requirements
A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above in appropriate areas, including English and maths, or a CACHE level 2 Diploma plus GCSEs or Functional Skills at level 2 in English and maths. Those considering a career in primary teaching or nursing will also require at least Grade 4 in GCSE Science.
Safeguarding you as students and the children and young people you will be caring for on placement is extremely important to SCG so you must complete a DBS check on enrolment.
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What does the course involve?
All students will develop an understanding of:
• The Education and Early Years sector from ages 0 to 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 educational 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
You will spend 3 days a week in college and 2 days in either a local school (Reception class) or day care nursery setting. -
How is the course assessed?
Students will be assessed via the core components of: Paper A written examination, Paper B written examination, Employer-set project, Occupational specialism component through a series of synoptic assignments and assessments.
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Additional Notes
Progression in Childcare and Education
The T Level in Childcare and Education will provide the perfect opportunity for you to develop your skills, knowledge and understanding of a wide range of childcare and education-related topics that will prepare you for progression to degree level education, a higher apprenticeship or direct entry into employment.
Potential Careers:
- Teacher
- Health Play Assistant
- Nursery Worker
- Play Therapist
- Teaching Assistant
- Learning Mentor
- Portage Worker
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What do I do next?
You can apply online via the APPLY NOW button and then add an additional two or three subjects to make up your academic programme. You can also apply for a second, alternative vocational programme of study via a separate application. If after reading this factsheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop in to one of our Open Evenings, ring Admissions on 01743 260401 or email admissions@scg.ac.uk
Danielle Hatch
PGCE
I decided to do the PGCE, partly because my employer wanted me to and partly to increase my skills and qualifications. Teaching is a way of giving something back and sharing my knowledge with the next generation.
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