Education & Early Years

This course is designed for those who have a keen interest in a career in the early years education sector and wish to study at an advanced level whilst also gaining invaluable ‘on the job’ experience.

The T Level in Early Years Educator is aimed at preparing 16–18-year-olds for work, higher level apprenticeships or higher education. Students who achieve this qualification could look forward to a future career as an Early Years Practitioner, Primary School Teacher, Childminder or Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator.

This is a 2-year course and has been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that the content meets the needs of the industry.

You will gain a breadth of knowledge and understanding of concepts, theories, and principles relevant to the Early Years/Childcare sector, including the following core content and specialist units:

• Safeguarding, Health and Wellbeing
• Supporting Education
• Behaviour
• Equality and Diversity
• Special Educational Needs and disability (SEND)
• Parents, Families and Carers
• Play and Development
• Attachment
• Working in Partnership

This course will be delivered in a variety of ways including in a formal classroom setting, e-learning and in real-world environments. As part of the T Level programme, you are required to complete a minimum of 750 hours industry placement with a local employer, equivalent to two day per week over the two-year course period.

T-Level Early Years Educator

T levels are new, elite courses which follow GCSEs and are equivalent to studying 3 A levels and carry the same UCAS (University points).

You will be awarded an overall core component grade (A* to E and U) and a Distinction/Merit/Pass grade for your occupational specialism.

Depending on your chosen occupational specialism you could progress on to;

• employment in the early years childcare and education sector including nursery, teaching and support roles,
• a higher/degree level apprenticeship.
• or a university course.

You will be assessed on your core knowledge through a combination of examinations and an employer set project. Your occupational specialism will be assessed through practical assessments which will give you a wide range of methods and opportunities to shine.

You will need a minimum of a Grade 4 in English, a Grade 4 in Maths and Grade 4 in at least two other academic GCSEs. 

As this programme will involve working with children, you will be required to undertake a satisfactory disclosure and barring service (DBS) check. 

This course is aimed at adults over 19-years-old who may be looking for a career change or to get back in to employment following maternity leave or long-term unemployment.

The Level 3 Supporting Teaching & Learning course is designed to prepare you for work or a foundation degree course. Students who achieve this qualification could look forward to a future career as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant or Parent Support Advisor.

You will gain a breadth of knowledge and understanding of the skills required when working directly with children or young people in schools, colleges or special schools, and will study the following core units:

• Schools and colleges as organisations.
• Supporting health and safety in a learning environment
• Understanding how to safeguard children and young people
• Developing professional relationships with children, young people and adults
• Understanding how children and young people develop
• Supporting positive behaviour in children and young people
• Supporting children and young people during learning activities
• Supporting English and maths skills, and use of Information & Communications Technology (ICT)
• Support children and young people’s speech, language and communication
• Understanding how to support bilingual learners and those with special educational needs.

This course will be delivered face-to-face, one evening each week. We recommend you undertake a placement in a school or college for a minimum of one day each week. If you are not currently employed in one of these settings, you must secure a voluntary placement in order to develop your skill and put into practice the theory you have learned in the classroom. You will be given with one-to-one support when required and will be observed in your workplace.

Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching & Learning

Depending on your chosen occupational specialism you could progress on to;

• employment as a Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Parent Support Advisor or Learning Mentor
• or continue your education with a Foundation Degree course at UOD – Buxton.

You will be assessed on your core knowledge by your Tutor and your Assessor. Methods of assessment may include:

• Direct observation of practice (a minimum of 2)
• Professional discussions
• Reflections
• Written assignments
• Your own plans and records

All tasks will be set by the accreditation body NCFE CACHE.

You must be at least 19 years of age and have a good standard of English, Maths and ICT. If you do not already hold English & Maths GCSE Grade C or equivalent you may be able to study these in the evening alongside this course.

You must also be working or volunteering in a school placement for a minimum of half day (preferably a full day) per week and be required to undertake a satisfactory and clear enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check.

You will be interviewed to discuss your suitability for the course where you will discuss your interests, prior experiences and qualifications.