T Levels - T Level Education and Early Years

The Level 3 programme is a T Level study programme; this is of two years duration. This two-year course has been developed in collaboration with leading employers and combines college-based studies with 750 hours industry placement.

If you are wanting to progress into a career working with children and strive to be the best you can then this is the course for you. You will be studying with other like-minded individuals who want to provide the best education and care for the children they will be supporting. You will spend time in excellent nursery and school provisions whilst completing your industry experience, this will support the knowledge you are gaining through your academic study.

The course itself has been developed in conjunction with employers and ensures the content follows the most up to date practice.

You will spend 60% of your time in taught sessions, which will involve simulation of real working experiences along with formal teaching.

The remaining 40% of your time will be in your industry placement. Whilst here you will be able to put your new knowledge into practice, developing your skills over the two years in preparation for your final formal assessments.

This is split into Core knowledge and Specialist knowledge. Core topics include child development, safeguarding, special educational needs, the role of families and support services and reflective practice.

We offer the Early Years Educator Occupational Specialism. The Early Years Educator specialism will provide you with a licence to practice as an early years practitioner.

• 1 Written Exam

• Employer set project

• Synoptic assignments

• Observation of practice in placement

On full completion you will receive a T-level statement of achievement detailing the individual grades for different elements.

Five GCSEs grades 9 – 5 including English, maths and science.

You will be required to complete an interview afternoon.

Further Study: On completion of the T-level you can progress to higher education to study a range of degree courses, including Teaching

At Wakefield College we deliver a foundation degree in Young children’s Learning and Development, with progression to a BA Honours degree in Early Years.

Career Opportunities: Once complete you can gain employment within the sector in a range of roles including; early years practitioner, teaching assistant, special educational needs assistant.

With additional study at degree level you can begin a career in teaching, social work, and other related fields.