Early Years Educator – T-Level (Education and Childcare) – Level 3

Start Date: 1st September 2025

Length 2 years
Study Full-Time
Location Carlisle College

Qualification Gained

Level 3 NCFE T-Level qualification in Education and Childcare – Early Years Educator

Levels Explained

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More about the course

Are you looking to start a career in the childcare industry and want to expand your knowledge and skills? Would you like to work with children and young people? Then this Early Years Educator T-Level could be the course for you.

During your studies you will build your experience in the childcare and early years sector, developing specialist knowledge and skills as you go. You will learn theory and best practice from industry-experienced tutors in our specialist on-campus childcare facilities which simulate conditions within a working nursery.

You will study a range of vital topics, including behaviour, child development and special educational needs and disabilities. You will complete the course with the knowledge and practical skills you need to build an exciting career in education and childcare.

As part of the Early Years Educator T-Level you will spend a minimum of 750 hours on an employer industry placement in a childcare setting, helping you to develop your specialist skills and experience. The time you dedicate to this placement will help you put your skills into practice in a real educational setting.

Entry requirements

You will require a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English, maths and science
You may also be required to participate in an assessment to ensure suitability ahead of enrolment

Please note that entry requirements and course offer can be subject to change at any time.

What will I achieve?

Upon successful completion of this course, you will achieve an NCFE Level 3 T-Level in Education and Childcare (Early Years Educator)

What will I learn?

Wider context
Supporting education
Safeguarding, health and safety, and wellbeing
Behaviour
Parents, families and carers
Working with others
Child development
Observation and assessment
Reflective practice
Equality and diversity
Special educational needs and disability
English as an additional language

How is the course taught?

Group work
Theory sessions
Work placement
Employer-set project (ESP)

How am I assessed?

Written examinations
Practical observations of children in early years education
Synoptic assignments (Early Years Educator)
Employer-set project (ESP)

Work experience opportunities

Work experience is an important part of your T-Level, and you will undertake a substantial industry placement with an employer for a minimum of 750 hours during your course to help you prepare for your next steps.

English and Maths

Maths, English and digital skills are vital to all roles in education and childcare and these are embedded throughout the course to help you prepare for working in the industry.

Where can I progress?

On successful completion of this T-Level you may progress into an apprenticeship or a variety of roles in the education industry, including as an early years practitioner or educator, an education technician, learning mentor or student engagement officer.

Alternatively, you can progress into higher education.

Course Costs

If you are aged 16-18 when you begin your course you are likely to be eligible for free tuition. Detailed information can be found within the financial support section.