Early Years Educator

Course Fact File

Level 3
Triple Programme
T Level
2 Year Duration

Overview

The T Level Technical Qualification in Education and Early Years is a two-year Level 3 programme designed with employers to prepare you for skilled employment, higher education or a higher apprenticeship. Equivalent in size to three A Levels, it combines technical knowledge with practical experience and includes the Early Years Educator occupational specialism. The programme develops the knowledge, skills and professional behaviours needed to support children's learning, development, health, safety and wellbeing in early years settings.

What will you learn?

The technical qualification has two parts: a core component covering the education and early years sector, and the Early Years Educator occupational specialism. English, mathematics and digital knowledge and skills are embedded and contextualised throughout the qualification.

The core component is organised into seven elements:

Wider education sector
Supporting education
Safeguarding, equality and diversity, and wellbeing
Special educational needs and disabilities
Child development
Working in partnership
Professional practice

In the Early Years Educator occupational specialism, you will learn to:

Support and promote children’s play, development and early education
Develop positive relationships with children to facilitate their development
Plan, provide and review care, play and educational opportunities that enable children to progress
Safeguard children and promote their health, safety and wellbeing

You will develop knowledge of children from birth to five years and of children aged five to seven. Practical learning will include observing children, assessing development and using this information to plan inclusive, age-appropriate experiences that support individual needs.

You will explore how play supports learning and development, how communication and language develop, and how secure relationships and enabling environments help children thrive. You will also consider behaviour, additional needs and inclusive practice.

Professional practice includes safeguarding, health and safety, promoting wellbeing, maintaining confidentiality, reflective practice, and effective communication with children, families, colleagues and external professionals.

Who is the course aimed at?

This course is for you if you are interested in how children learn and develop, enjoy working with young children and want to make a positive contribution to their education, care and wellbeing. You should be ready for academic study, practical assessment and a substantial placement in an early years setting.

Entry Requirements & Other Info

Entry Requirements

You must have a minimum of five GCSEs grades 9-4, including English Language and Maths. A DBS will be required which we will support with at Enrolment.
Experiences

You will take part in practical activities, employer-informed projects and a substantial industry placement in an early years setting. Opportunities may also include talks, workshops and visits involving early years practitioners, education professionals, employers and higher education providers.
Progression

On successful completion, you could progress into employment in an early years setting, a higher or degree apprenticeship, or higher education. Relevant degree routes may include Early Childhood Studies, Primary Education, Education Studies, Childhood and Youth Studies, Special Educational Needs and related subjects.
Outcomes

Potential careers include Early Years Educator, nursery practitioner, teaching assistant, family support worker and other roles supporting children’s learning, development and wellbeing. Further qualifications may lead to careers such as primary teacher, special educational needs professional or early years leader.