T Level Technical Qualification in Education and Early Years

You will need 5 GCSE's at grade 4-9 including Maths and English. We also require you to have a clear enhanced DBS in order to undertake placements working with babies and children.

During the T Level study programme, you will complete the core content, which is divided into 12 elements, including 4 core skills, all of which indicate the relevant knowledge and understanding of concepts, theories and principles relevant to occupations within education and early years. The knowledge and skills are all externally assessed through written examinations and an ESP.

The occupational specialism in year 2 is divided into performance outcomes, each of which indicates the knowledge and skills required to enable students to achieve threshold competence in the chosen occupational specialism. These performance outcomes are all externally assessed through synoptic assignments, in which the student will be expected to demonstrate required knowledge and skills.

Year 1 Assessment Method -

Core component:
- Paper A written examination
- Paper B written examination
- Employer-Set Project (ESP)

Assessments are through examinations, observations of practice in settings, practical projects and coursework. Core component examinations are combined results from papers A and B and are aggregated to form the overall core component grade (A*–E or U).

Year 2 Assessment Method -

Occupational specialism component:
- Synoptic assignments

You are also required to successfully achieve a distinction/merit/pass grade in one of the occupational specialism components.

GCSE Maths and English are vital stepping stones for your academic and professional journey. Achieving a good grade in these subjects not only fulfills most college entry requirements but also equips you with essential skills critical in almost every field. Whether you're calculating percentages in business, crafting compelling arguments, or simply managing daily tasks, these core subjects enhance your problem-solving and communication abilities, setting a solid foundation for your future studies and career success. Start your college course with confidence by securing these key qualifications!

Our T-Level courses combine classroom learning with hands-on industry experience, providing you with the skills and knowledge highly valued by employers. You'll spend 80% of your time on academic studies and 20% on a 45-day work placement, totalling over 315 hours of practical exposure. This balance ensures a comprehensive understanding of your field and enhances your professional skills.

You can arrange your own placement or use our student placement team's expertise. This mandatory component prepares you for real career challenges and opportunities as you transition from student to professional.

At Northumberland College our commitment to your future goes beyond the classroom. We are dedicated to providing you with real-world experiences and industry insights that will prepare you not just to enter, but to excel in your chosen field. Here’s how we connect you with the industry:

• Placement Opportunities: Dive into your future career with our hands-on placement opportunities. These are not just work experiences, but gateways to potential employment and invaluable learning. They’re a core part of our courses, offering you a chance to apply academic theories in real-world scenarios.
• Networking Events: Build your professional network early. Our placement and careers fairs are your chance to meet and impress potential employers. These events are designed to help you forge significant industry connections that can enhance your career prospects. Attend talks, engage in discussions, and explore apprenticeship opportunities with employers who are eager to meet fresh talent.
• Expert Insights: Stay ahead of the curve with talks from specialist speakers. These industry leaders share the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field, giving you the inside track on what to expect and how to thrive.
• Skills Competitions: Showcase your abilities in our exciting skills competitions. Held throughout the academic year, these competitions are not just about winning – they are about learning, growing, and pushing your limits. They offer a fun, competitive environment to enhance what you learn in class and develop essential industry skills.

The purpose of the T Level in Education and Childcare (Early Years Educator - EYE) is to ensure students have the knowledge and skills needed to progress into skilled employment or to higher technical training.

The objectives of this qualification are to equip you with:

- The core knowledge and core skills relevant to education and childcare
- Up to date occupational knowledge and skills that have continued currency amongst employers and others
- The necessary English, Mathematics and digital skills
- Threshold competence that meets employer expectations and is as close to full occupational competence as possible
- Opportunities to manage and improve your own performance

You will study core content, including:
- Child development
- Health and safety
- Equality and diversity
- Observation skills

Occupational specialist content includes topics such as:
- Play
- Educational opportunities
- Relationships
- Safeguarding
- Planning meaningful activities

Within the Level 3 T Level full-time programme, you will complete 12 modules, for example, supporting education, safeguarding, working in partnerships, child development and lots more over 2 years.

You will also support and promote children’s play, development and early education, as well as developing relationships with children to facilitate their development, and planning, providing and reviewing care, play and educational opportunities to enable children to progress.

You'll learn about safeguarding and promoting the health, safety and wellbeing of children, working in partnership with colleagues, parents, carers and other professionals to support children’s development.

For more information on T Levels, please visit:
https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/introduction-of-t-levels/introduction-of-t-levels