T Level
Course Overview
The T Level in Education and Early Years is ideal for those passionate about making a difference in children’s lives and inspiring their learning and development. This qualification provides specialist knowledge and hands-on experience to prepare you for a rewarding career in nurseries, preschools, primary or secondary schools. You’ll learn how to support children’s growth, play, and learning in safe and stimulating environments, complemented by a meaningful industry placement in an early–years or primary school setting.
Upon completion, you will be a qualified Early Years Educator (EYE OS), ready to work as an Early Years Practitioner, Teaching Assistant, progress towards primary teacher training. At Sixth Form college, experienced primary school teachers and early years specialists provide expert teaching and close support, creating a collaborative and supportive learning environment that builds your confidence and prepares you for success in education and childcare.
ASSESSMENT
- Technical Qualification: 60%
- Industry Placement: 40%
- Awarding Body: NCF
COURSE CONTENT
First Year:
- Element 1: Wider education sector
- Element 2: Supporting education
- Element 3: Safeguarding, equality and diversity and wellbeing
- Element 4: Special educational needs and disability (SEND)
- Element 5: Child development
- Element 6: Working in partnership
- Element 7: Professional practice
Second Year:
- Support the teacher to enhance children’s education, individually and in groups.
- Plan, provide and review the educational opportunities in collaboration with teachers and other adults.
- Safeguard and promote the health, safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
- Recognise, adapt and respond to individual children’s needs, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), to support development and access to the curriculum.
BEGIN – IS THIS COURSE RIGHT FOR ME?
The T Level in Education and Early Years is perfect for people who are passionate about helping children learn, grow, and achieve their potential. To thrive on this course, you should enjoy spending time with children, be caring and patient, and find it rewarding to see children develop and overcome challenges.
You’ll need to be a good communicator, able to work well with both children and adults, and take responsibility for following important rules around safeguarding and safety. An interest in how children learn and develop, along with qualities like creativity, organisation, problem-solving, and teamwork, will help you succeed.
You don’t need to have worked in a school or nursery before, but any experience – such as babysitting, volunteering, or helping younger siblings – will give you a great head start. If this sounds like you, then this course could be the perfect next step!
BELONG – WHY STUDY THIS WITH US?
At the Sixth Form College, you’ll be taught by specialist early years professionals and experienced primary teachers who bring real-world insight and a track record of outstanding results.
Learning goes beyond the classroom, with enrichment opportunities including forest school activities, visits from babies to support child development studies, trips to settings like Drayton Manor, and seminars from professionals such as Speech and Language Therapists and headteachers. Strong links with local nurseries and schools mean you’ll gain valuable industry placements and hands-on experience.
You’ll also complete additional qualifications like Level 1 Safeguarding, Baby Practitioner training, and British Sign Language, as well as develop leadership skills through our Playground Leader programme. With excellent support for CVs, job applications, and university progression, you’ll feel confident and well-prepared for your future.
Most importantly, you’ll be part of a welcoming learning community, building friendships and receiving personalised support throughout your journey.
BEYOND – WHERE CAN THIS COURSE TAKE ME?
When you complete this T Level, you’ll qualify as an Early Years Educator (EYE OS), ready to step directly into employment. Many students secure roles in nurseries, preschools, or as Teaching Assistants, often through the very placements they complete during the course.
You could also progress to university, with opportunities to study Primary Education with QTS, Education Studies, Child Development, Speech and Language Therapy, Social Work, or Play Therapy, among many others.
This course equips you with the skills, experience, and confidence to shape children’s futures – whether you go straight into work or continue into higher education.
