T Level Education & Early Years

T Levels are two-year, Level 3 qualifications introduced in England in 2020 as a key part of the government’s reforms to technical education. They are designed to provide an alternative to A Levels and apprenticeships, combining classroom learning with substantial industry placements. A single T Level is equivalent to three A Levels and carries UCAS tariff points, making it a recognised route into both employment and higher education.

Each T Level is co-designed with employers to ensure that the knowledge and skills delivered are directly relevant to industry needs. The programme consists of a core component, an occupational specialism, an industry placement, and an employability and skills development element.

2. Overview of the Education and Early Years T Level

The Education and Early Years T Level prepares learners for careers in childcare, teaching, and related fields. It equips students with the theoretical understanding, professional behaviours, and hands-on experience needed to support children’s learning and development across early years and primary settings.

This T Level is particularly popular, with the highest number of entrants nationally (nearly 5,000 students in 2024/25), reflecting strong demand for early years professionals and a clear progression pathway into teaching.

3. Subject Content

Students study a broad core curriculum, which includes:

• Child Development – stages of physical, cognitive, and emotional development from birth to young adulthood.

• Supporting Education – planning, delivering, and assessing learning in early years and primary contexts.

  
  

• Safeguarding, Health and Wellbeing – understanding safeguarding legislation, promoting welfare, and supporting children’s wellbeing.

  
  

• Equality and Diversity – ensuring inclusive practice and recognising cultural and individual needs.

  
  

• Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) – strategies for supporting children with additional needs.

  
  

• Behaviour Management – understanding behaviour and applying strategies to maintain positive learning environments.

  
  

• Professional Responsibilities – legal and regulatory requirements, codes of conduct, and reflective practice.

In addition to the core, learners choose an occupational specialism such as:

• Early Years Educator (0–7 years)

  
  

• Assisting Teaching

  
  

This specialisation determines the type of placement and the professional outcomes available upon completion.

4. Industry Placement

A distinguishing feature of T Levels is the minimum 315-hour industry placement (approximately 45 days). For Education and Early Years, this is typically completed in nurseries, preschools, or primary schools.

Placements provide:

• Practical experience of planning and leading activities.

  
  

• First-hand application of safeguarding and welfare responsibilities.

  
  

• Opportunities to work alongside qualified teachers and childcare professionals.

  
  

• Evidence of competency in professional standards, contributing directly to the occupational specialism component.

5. Assessment

Assessment is a combination of:

• Core component assessment – written exams and employer-set projects testing knowledge across the broad curriculum.

  
  

• Occupational specialism assessment – synoptic assessments demonstrating competence in real workplace tasks (e.g. planning activities, observing and supporting children, maintaining records).

  
  

• Ongoing placement evaluation – supervisors and assessors confirm that learners can apply skills effectively in a professional setting.

The overall grade is a combination of the core and specialism results, ranging from Pass to Distinction (with UCAS points awarded accordingly).

6. Progression Routes

Successful completion of the Education and Early Years T Level opens multiple pathways:

• Higher Education: Degrees in education, early childhood studies, psychology, social work, or teacher training (via PGCE or undergraduate programmes).

  
  

• Apprenticeships: Higher or degree apprenticeships in teaching, youth work, or related fields.

  
  

Employment: Qualified Early Years Educator, teaching assistant, nursery practitioner, or support roles in schools and childcare settings.

7. Transferable Skills

Beyond subject-specific knowledge, learners develop highly transferable skills, including:

• Communication and Teamwork – collaborating with teachers, parents, and professionals.

  
  

• Problem Solving – adapting approaches to meet children’s varied needs.

  
  

• Time Management and Organisation – balancing study, planning, and placement responsibilities.

  
  

• Digital Literacy – using educational technologies and record-keeping systems.

  
  

• Professionalism and Resilience – working under regulatory frameworks and maintaining safeguarding standards.

These skills are valued across a wide range of sectors, particularly those requiring interpersonal competence, organisation, and ethical responsibility.