The T Level Technical Qualification in Education and Childcare forms part of the new T Level in Education. The outline content has been produced by T Level panels based on the same standards as those used for apprenticeships. The outline content formed the basis of this qualification and has been further developed by NCFE.
The T Level Technical Qualification in Education and Childcare meets the Early Years Educator criteria and has been recognised and approved by the Department for Education. Holders of this qualification (only those that have taken the Early Years Educator occupational specialism) may be counted in early years foundation stage (EYFS) staff: child ratios and have a licence to practise.
The T Level Technical Qualification in Education and Childcare (Level 3) is a two-year programme which provides a route to employment or progression to Higher Education.
The course carries a maximum of 168 (Distinction*) UCAS points.
Year One - Core Content (0 -19)
1. Wider context
2. Supporting education
3. Safeguarding, health, safety, and wellbeing
4. Behaviour
5. Parents, families, and carers
6. Working with others
7. Child development
8. Observation and assessment
9. Reflective practice
10. Equality and diversity
11. Special educational needs and disability
12. English as an additional language
Year Two - Early Years Educator Occupational Specialism
1.Support and promote children's play, development, and early education
2. Develop relationships with children to facilitate their development
3. Plan, provide and review care, play and educational opportunities to enable children to progress
4. Safeguard and promote the health, safety, and wellbeing of children
5. Work in partnership with colleagues, parents, carers, and other professionals to support children's development
The core content and occupational specialisms are taught within college. English, maths, and digital skills are embedded throughout the course content. Employability and study skills are taught alongside the core content.
You will be in college for 2 - 3 days per week and in an industry work placement 2 days per week.
NCFE CACHE T Level Technical Qualification in Education and Childcare Qualification [603/5829/4]
The core component is 100% externally assessed. External assessments are set and marked by NCFE. The external examinations and ESP will assess students' core knowledge, core understanding and core skills relevant to the occupations within the education and childcare TQ.
The occupational specialism components are also externally assessed through synoptic assignments, except for the observation element, which is internally marked by providers and externally moderated by NCFE.
The assessment consists of:
• core component:
paper A written examination
paper B written examination
Employer set project
The combined results from these sub-components will be aggregated to form the overall Core Component grade (A*-E and U).
• occupational specialism component:
synoptic assignments (specific to each occupational specialism)
The student is also required to successfully achieve a distinction/merit/pass grade in one of the occupational specialism components.
Industry placement experience
As part of achieving the overall T Level programme, any student undertaking the Early Years Educator occupational specialism is required to complete a minimum of
750 hours industry placement. Any student undertaking the Assisting Teaching specialism is required to undertake up to 750 hours industry placement.
Apply through the college website.
Places are offered by interview depending on your predicted grades and a good reference from your current tutor.
5 GCSEs grade 9 - 4 including English language, mathematics and preferably Science or completion of a relevant Level 2 qualification and a grade 9 - 4 in English language, mathematics and preferably Science.
You must be aged between 16 and 19 to enrol on this course.
At interview you will be asked to complete an initial assessment and advised to complete some work experience prior to enrolment.
All students working with children will need to have a Disclosure and Barring Security Check. Failure to provide ID documents (birth certificate, passport) and evidence of address will exclude you from enrolment on this course. Please check accepted documents and have these ready for enrolment. https://www.personnelchecks.co.uk/knowledge-hub/id-guidance-standard-and-enhanced
You will need to provide additional funds for uniform for work placement, and educational resources as required.
Educational trips are offered to enhance your learning on the course.
Students who achieve this qualification could progress to the following:
• employment:
early years practitioner
early years educator
education technician
primary/secondary/tertiary teaching and support assistant
• higher education
Blossomfield Campus
Sept-2026
Various
TBC
N/A for 16 to 18 Year Olds
ZPTAB013BCF1
Full Time
Woodlands Campus
Sept-2026
Various
TBC
N/A for 16 to 18 year olds
ZPTAC013CCF1
Full Time
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