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Level 3 (T Level) Qualification in Early Years

  • BERKSHIRE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
  • LEVEL 3
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child protective services

Course Overview

The aim of the T Level in Education and Early Years is to provide learners with the knowledge, understanding, and practical skills required to work with children and young people from birth to 19 years, with a particular focus on early years practice. The course combines classroom-based learning with substantial industry placement experience, enabling students to develop both academic understanding and professional competence within the Education and Early Years sector.
This qualification is ideal for learners who are interested in pursuing careers in Early Years Education, Primary Education, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), or other child-focused professions. Students will study a range of topics including child development, safeguarding, behaviour, observation and assessment, inclusive practice, and supporting children’s learning and wellbeing.
Alongside classroom learning, students are required to complete a high-quality industry placement of at least 750 hours across the two-year programme, allowing them to apply theory to real-life practice and develop the occupational competencies needed within the sector.
The course is delivered through a combination of theoretical teaching, practical activities, employer engagement, guest speakers, educational visits, and industry placement experiences. This blended approach helps students develop the confidence, professionalism, and reflective skills required for progression into employment, apprenticeships, or higher education.
Why choose to study at Berkshire College of Agriculture (BCA)?
BCA offers a supportive and engaging learning environment, including:
• A dedicated team of experienced and supportive staff
• An onsite Play Bay where students can simulate and develop Early Years practice skills
• Opportunities to gain Paediatric First Aid qualifications
• Strong links with local employers and placement providers within the Education and Early Years sector

This course is taught at the BCA campus in Maidenhead, Berkshire, with access to specialist facilities and lecturers with industry experience.

Course Code

Z83MB011

Course Fee
Please contact us for more information
Start Time

09:00

End Time

16:15

End Date

Fri, 29 Jun 2029

Entry Requirements

Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths. Science is preferred.

Course information

Units include:
Element 1: Wider education sector
Element 2: Supporting education
Element 3: Safeguarding, equality and diversity and wellbeing
Element 4: Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
Element 5: Child development
Element 6: Working in partnership
Element 7: Professional practice

CS1: Communicate information clearly to engage children and young people
CS2: Work with others to plan and provide activities to meet children and young people’s needs
CS3: Use formative and summative assessment to monitor children and young people’s progress to plan and shape educational opportunities
CS4: Assess and manage risks to own and others’ safety when planning activities
PO1: Support and promote children’s play, development and early education
PO2: Develop relationships with children to facilitate their development
PO3: Plan, provide and review care, play and educational opportunities to enable children to progress
PO4: Safeguard and promote the health, safety and wellbeing of children
PO5: Work in partnership with colleagues, parents, carers and other professionals to support children’s development

2 Years

Through direct teaching from industry specialists.

3 days of course study regarding Early Years. 1 day of Placement and 1 day of independent study.

Uniform and textbook

Assessment for the T Level in Education and Early Years includes Core Exams, an Employer-Set Project (ESP), placement observations, and successful completion of a minimum 750-hour industry placement. Students will be assessed through a combination of written work, professional discussions, observations of practice, and practical activities.

T Level Technical Qualification in Education and Early Years (Qualified Level 3 Early Years Practitioner)

Completion of 750 hours in 2 years.

This qualification enables learners to count towards the Level 3 staff-to-child ratio as a qualified Level 3 Early Years Practitioner within the Early Years Workforce. Students will also gain UCAS Tariff points upon successful completion of the course, supporting progression to Higher Education, apprenticeships, or employment.
Learners may work under supervision in a range of Early Years and education settings, including roles such as Nursery Practitioner, Pre-School Practitioner, or Teaching Assistant.
Career Opportunities
This course can lead to a variety of careers, including:
– Early Years Practitioner
– Early Years Regulatory Inspector
– Educational or Child Therapist
– Family Support Officer
– Inclusion Co-ordinator
– Nursery Manager
– Play Therapist
– Playworker
– Room Leader
– Special Needs Classroom Worker
– Social Worker
– Teaching Assistant

Level 3

A DBS will be required as you will be working with children and vulnerable adults, this is arranged by BCA

Uniform:
Early Years Polo shirts are required for Industry Placement and can be purchased from goyalsbca.co.uk

Stationery:

All students are required to supply their own Stationery and in order to make the induction of your course as smooth as possible, it is essential that you are prepared before you start. The items you will need for your first day are:

-A full pencil case
-A notebook
-An A4 lever arch file, dividers and plastic poly pockets
-Highlighter pens
-Colouring pens
-Laptop or tablet (only if available to you)
-An A4 lever arch file, dividers and plastic poly pockets
-Highlighter pens
-Colouring pens
-Laptop or tablet (only if available to you)