The Education & Childcare T Level 3 course is designed for learners aged 16-18 who are looking towards a career in education and childcare or early years.
There is a requirement to attend a work placement throughout the duration of this course, which enables learners to work with children from birth to 5 years and gain knowledge of children aged 5 to 7 years.
Upon achievement of this qualification, it is intended that learners will be able to enter the workforce as Early Years Educators in roles such as nursery workers, teaching assistant, playworker or leaning mentor.
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Sector Overview
For the past five years, the Early Years Industry has benefited from falling unemployment and rising disposable incomes, which has supported rising demand.
The industry is forecast to grow over the next five years in line with rising employment, which is set to stimulate demand for industry services.
Additionally, as more households become eligible for free childcare and tax-free childcare schemes, government expenditure on childcare is projected to rise in the coming years.
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Entry Requirements
The entry requirements for this course are:
- 4 GCSEs Grade 4 or Level 2 Childcare (Licence to Practice)
- English and Maths at Grade 4 or above or Functional Skills at Level 2
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What will I study?
This course consists of the following modules:
Core Content
All students will develop a general understanding of:
- Understanding the education and childcare sector from ages 0 to 19
- Child development
- How to support children and young people's education
- Safeguarding, health and safety and wellbeing
- Understanding and managing behaviour
- Observing and assessing children and young people
- Equality and diversity
- Special educational needs and disability
- English as an additional language
- Working with parents, carers and wider families
- Working with agencies and services that support children, families and carers
- Reflective practice and other forms of professional development
Specialism as part of T Level
Early years educator covering:
- Plan play, learning or educational activities for children and young people within a specific age range
- Prepare environments for children and young people's play, learning and educational activities
- Observe children and young people's learning and development within a specific age range
All students must complete a minimum of 750 hours working with an employer(s) on an industry placement.
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How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed via:
- Mandatory written exams
- Assignments
- Industry placement & journal
- An Employer Set Project (ESP - externally set)
- Witness testimony
- Personal statements
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Enrichment
To further enhance your progression, you will actively participate in skills competitions, such as the Big Idea Challenge and Skills London.
You will have opportunities to take part in trips and visits, such as The Nursery World Conference and Award-Winning Early Years settings. You will also be invited to take part in funder-raiser events such as The Toy Library and Children in Need.
You will have access to key employers that will deliver guest lectures to build your industry knowledge and create your future.
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Work Experience
All students must complete a minimum of 750 hours working with an employer(s) on an industry placement this will be spread over the 2 years.
You will be assigned a workplace assessor who will support you in the placement and monitor your progress.
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Progression opportunities
The completion of this course will allow you to progress onto:
- University degree
- Higher Level Apprenticeship
- Higher National Diploma
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Alumni
Waltham Forest College is a vibrant and aspirational college and will support you to reach your career aspirations. Last year 96% of learners progressed onto a positive destination either to higher levels of study, employment, or an Apprenticeship.
