The serious route into a career with children. This two-year Level 3 prepares you to work in early years and childcare, or to go on to university to teach. Alongside your learning you'll spend a substantial placement (750+ hours) in real settings, working directly with children. Carries UCAS points, and a direct route to university at UCDon.
Next Open Event · 12th January 4:30pm to 7:00pm
Other courses you might be interested in:
Level 2 Level 2 Diploma Early Years Practitioner NCFE
Level 3 L3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship Standard
Level 3 L3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Standard
View all Education and Early Years courses →
This T Level goes deep into how to support children to learn and develop. You’ll study child development and how children learn, wellbeing and resilience, safeguarding and health and safety, working with parents and carers, supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities, and observation and assessment. It is genuinely demanding: as Robyn, one of our own students, puts it, the coursework can be tough, but it’s worth it when you see the difference you make.
The part that sets a T Level apart is the substantial industry placement (750+ hours) in real early years settings. You apply what you learn with actual children, and build genuine experience for employers and universities. You choose the Early Years Educator specialism, and finish with UCAS points and a direct route to university at UCDon, or straight into work.
Written assignments, research projects, and case studies that let you explore topics in depth.
Hands-on tasks and practical demonstrations in realistic working environments.
Formal examinations to test your knowledge and understanding under timed conditions.
Early education and childcare assistants assist in the care of children from birth up to seven years of age in day or residential nurseries, children’s homes, maternity units and similar establishments.
Early education and childcare practitioners lead the learning and development of and care for children from birth up to five years of age in a school, nursery, or childcare environment.
Early education and childcare services managers plan, organise, direct and co-ordinate the administration, support systems and activities that facilitate the effective running of nurseries and early education centres.
Nursery education teaching professionals care for and teach children up to the age of entry into primary school.
You'll learn in professional early years environments on campus and spend 750+ hours on placement in real settings, working with children.
Butterfly Day Nursery
A professional day nursery on campus, so you learn in a real early years setting.
750+ Hours on Placement
A substantial placement in real early years settings, working directly with children.
Progression to University at UCDon
UCAS points and a direct route to early childhood and teaching degrees.
Student Voice
I've learnt how to model good behaviour and build strong relationships with children, and how to manage them. The coursework can be tough, but it's exciting, and it's worth it when you see the difference it makes for the children.
These are nationally recognised qualifications with real academic weight. Your child will develop practical skills and knowledge that employers and universities genuinely value.
See the full unit listThese qualifications lead to real jobs. Our courses are built around the skills that employers are actually hiring for — locally and nationally.
See career optionsBursaries are available, and free meals are provided for those who qualify. If cost is a concern, there's help — and it's straightforward to apply.
Financial support infoLevel
Level 3
Duration
2 Years
Study Mode
Full-Time
Awarding Body
NCFE
Entry
Grade 5 in English and Maths, plus 3 other GCSEs at Grade 4+
Assessment
Coursework + Practical Assessment + Exams
Age
16+
Applications for September 2027 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.
Questions? Call 0800 358 7575
