A T Level is a composite technical study programme, aimed at preparing young people for work, higher level Apprenticeships or Higher Education (HE). It comprises 4 key components:

●  an approved technical qualification (TQ), which includes the opportunity to specialise in at least one occupational role

●  a substantial industry placement with an external employer

●  English, mathematics and digital requirements; students will have to achieve a minimum of Grade 4 or Level 2 English and mathematics in order to achieve a T Level employability, enrichment and pastoral (EEP) elements

●  the Early years’ educator component also includes mandatory additional requirements (MAR) which gives the licence to practice

The T Level Technical Qualification in Education and Childcare forms part of the T Level in Education and Childcare.

The qualification has 2 components:

●  Core component

●  Occupational specialism components:

- Early Years Educator

The core component provides a high-level foundation of knowledge and skills that are relevant to all occupational specialisms. These elements are arranged as themes to support holistic learning:

●  Wider Context

●  Child Development

●  Supporting Education

●  Safeguarding, Health and Safety and Wellbeing

●  Behaviour

●  Observation and Assessment

●  Equality and Diversity

●  Special Educational Needs and Disability

●  English as an Additional Language

●  Parents, Families and Carers

●  Working with Others

●  Reflective Practice

Occupational Specialism: Early Years Educator covers:

●  Support and promote children’s play, development and early education

●  Develop relationships with children to facilitate their development

●  Plan, provide and review care, play and educational opportunities to enable children to progress

●  Safeguard and promote the health, safety and wellbeing of children

●  Work in partnership with colleagues, parents, carers and other professionals to support children’s development

Course format

Core component

●  2 written examinations

●  employer-set project (ESP)

In order to achieve a grade for the core component, you must attempt both of the external examinations and the ESP. The combined marks from these assessments will be aggregated to form the overall core component grade (A* to E and U). If you do not attempt one of the assessments or fail to reach the minimum standard across all assessments, you will receive a U grade.

Occupational specialism component

●  synoptic assignments

You will also be required to successfully achieve a distinction/merit/pass grade in one of the occupational specialism components. If you fail to reach the specified level of attainment, you will receive a U grade.

Additional placement hours for Early Years Educator

There is a requirement for the Early Years Educator Occupational Specialism to have additional hours on placement; this is on top of the T Level programme requirements for industrial placement. These additional hours are essential to enable you to meet the requirements of the industry and gain sufficient occupational experience to be a competent employee in the early years’ sector.