Early Education and Childcare Assistants
Up to £29,255Early 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 […]
Admissions
Entry Requirements
What You'll Need
- Grade 5 in English and Maths, plus a minimum of 3 other GCSEs at Grade 4 or above
- A genuine commitment to a career working with children
- Successful interview with our team
- An enhanced DBS check (Doncaster College covers the cost)
The T Level has a higher entry bar than the Level 1 and Level 2, because it is an intensive two-year Level 3. If you don't quite have these grades, the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner is a strong starting point.
Explore Related Courses
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 →
What You'll Learn
Learn It Deeply. Then Do It, For Real.
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.
Core and Specialism
- How children learn and develop
- Supporting children’s wellbeing, resilience and behaviour
- Safeguarding, health and safety
- Working with parents, carers and families
- Supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities
- Observation and assessment
- Plus the Early Years Educator occupational specialism
Industry Placement
- A substantial industry placement (750+ hours) in real early years settings
How You're Assessed
Assessment Methods
Coursework
Written assignments, research projects, and case studies that let you explore topics in depth.
Practical Assessment
Hands-on tasks and practical demonstrations in realistic working environments.
Exams
Formal examinations to test your knowledge and understanding under timed conditions.
Written exams, an employer set project, and assessed placement practice.
Career Destinations
Where This Course Takes You
/year
Early Education and Childcare Practitioners
Average £11.80Early 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
Up to £40,489Early 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
Up to £47,511Nursery education teaching professionals care for and teach children up to the age of entry into primary school.
Your progression pathway
This course Level 3 T Level – Early Years Education and Childcare
Where next University or Employment
Life on the Course
See What It's Really Like
Our Facilities
Learn in Real Nursery Settings, Then in Real Placements
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.
On-Campus Nursery · 750+ Placement Hours · DBS Covered
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.
For Parents & Carers
Supporting Your Child's Journey
Qualifications That Count
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 listReal Career Prospects
These qualifications lead to real jobs. Our courses are built around the skills that employers are actually hiring for — locally and nationally.
See career optionsFinancial Support Available
Bursaries 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 info For Careers Advisers
Quick Reference Guide
Level
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+
Ready to Make a Real Difference?
Applications for September 2026 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.
Questions? Call 0800 358 7575