Course Overview

This one-year course has been designed to support those that do not currently meet the entry requirements for the T Level in Education & Childcare but would like to progress on to this course in the future or into employment in the sector. It will enable you to develop the knowledge, skills and experience to work with children in the early years sector. This course also provides the opportunity to improve your GSCE maths, English and science if needed. The course content is modelled on working in early years and primary settings with an introduction to some of the T Level content which provides a really good grounding in the skills and theories needed to support your progression on to the T Level in Education and Childcare.

You will attend College throughout the week and be expected to complete written assignments and self-study at home. Your work placement will be one day a week and four-week blocks where you attend your early years placement for the whole week.

Units may include:

• Planning play and learning activities for children
• Preparing environments for children’s play
• Observing children’s learning and development
• Safeguarding the welfare of babies and young children
• Supporting children’s communication, literacy and language development
• Promoting the health and wellbeing of babies and young children in early years settings.

Assessment Methods

Assessment is through a portfolio of evidence using a range of assessment methods. These may include assignments, individual research, project work, presentations, in-class tests in College and on placement and practical work in college to give you experience of how you will be assessed on the T Level. You will complete up to 280 placement hours in Early Years settings and complete a professional skill record.

Progression Options

On successful completion of the course, you could progress to the T Level and onwards on to our early years’ degrees at the University Centre Somerset. Alternatively, you could progress to an Early Years Apprenticeship.