T Level Education and Early Years

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Course Overview

This two-year T Level combines classroom learning with real-world experience, giving you the knowledge, skills and confidence to work with children from birth to age 19. With 80% of your time in college and 20% on placement, you will be well-prepared for employment, a higher apprenticeship, or university.

A T Level is equivalent to three A Levels and is highly regarded by both employers and universities.

Why Study This Subject?

You will gain a minimum of 315 hours of real placement experience in early years and educational settings. During your studies, you will apply specialist knowledge in areas like child development, safeguarding, behaviour, and the curriculum — taught by expert tutors who work closely with the sector.

This is a course where your learning makes a genuine difference. You will be part of a field where you can directly support the development of children and young people.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is ideal for students who:

• Have a passion for working with children or young people
• Are caring, patient, and curious about how children learn
• Enjoy both academic and practical learning
• Want a clear career path into teaching, childcare, or early years education
• Are motivated to take on real responsibility during placements

What You Will Study

• Child development from birth to 7 years
• How children learn through play
• Safeguarding, health and safety, and inclusive practice
• Professional behaviours and reflective skills
• Curriculum, observation, and assessment techniques
• Supporting children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)
• Child and adolescent mental health

Beyond the Classroom

Your learning goes well beyond the college. You will complete 315 placement hours with a local employer, take part in educational visits to nurseries, primary schools, and child development centres, and hear from guest speakers across health, education, and childcare. There are also opportunities to attend child psychology and education conferences, and take part in enrichment activities like peer mentoring, wellbeing sessions, and skills workshops.

Career Pathways

This T Level opens doors to roles including:

• Early Years Practitioner or Educator
• Teaching Assistant
• Primary School Teacher (with further study)
• Family Support Worker
• Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo)
• Educational Psychologist (via degree route)

You can also progress directly to university or a higher-level apprenticeship in education or child development.

Entry Requirements

Grade 4 or above in GCSE English Language and Mathematics.

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