Quick Summary
One of the most established and well-recognised T Levels, with strong acceptance from universities offering education and early years degrees
The 315-hour placement is spent in a real school or early years setting, you will be working with children throughout your studies
A clear, direct route into teaching, early years education, or childcare, but less suited to those still exploring their options
What is this T-Level?
IN A NUTSHELL
The Education and Early Years T Level is for 16–19 year olds who want to work with children, in schools, nurseries, early years settings, or education support roles.
It covers child development, educational theory, safeguarding, and practical teaching support skills. The placement is in a genuine school or early years environment, meaning you will spend significant time working directly with children and practitioners.
It is one of the most established T Levels and is well recognised by universities offering education, early childhood studies, and teaching degrees.
Education and Early Years is one of the most established T Levels, universities are familiar with it, and many education degree programmes actively welcome T Level applicants.
Your placement setting matters: Early Years and Assisting Teaching are very different experiences. Think about which age group you want to work with before choosing your specialism.
About the course
1. Core Component
Child development from birth to 19 years
Safeguarding, welfare, and child protection legislation
Supporting learning and teaching in educational settings
Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
Communication, behaviour, and relationship-building with children
Reflective practice and professional standards in education
2. Occupational Specialism
Early Years Education and Childcare (birth to 5 years)
Assisting Teaching (ages 5 to 16)
(Specialism availability depends on your college or training provider.)
3. Industry Placement
A minimum of 315 hours (roughly 45 working days) with a real employer. Not optional, it is a required part of the qualification.
Written exams covering child development and educational theory
Employer-set project: a task or scenario based on real educational practice
Practical observation and professional log from your placement
Pass/Merit/Distinction/Distinction* grading (similar to BTEC)
This could suit you if…
You are passionate about working with and supporting children
You want to explore teaching, early years, or childcare as a career
You are patient, empathetic, and a strong communicator
You want hands-on placement experience from the start
You plan to study education or early childhood at university
Child development knowledge — understanding developmental milestones and how to support children at different ages
Safeguarding practice — recognising concerns and following correct procedures to protect children's welfare
Communication with children — adapting language, tone, and approach to work effectively with children of different ages
Classroom and setting support — assisting practitioners, preparing resources, and supporting learning activities
Reflective practice — evaluating your own performance and continuously improving your professional approach
SEND awareness — understanding and supporting children with additional learning needs and disabilities
Invest in your placement — the relationships you build with practitioners and children will shape both your skills and your references
Reflect regularly on what you observe and experience; reflective practice is a core professional skill in education
Take safeguarding training seriously — it is not just a box to tick, it is fundamental to working safely with children
Ask questions in your placement setting; experienced practitioners are a huge source of practical knowledge
Keep a placement journal or portfolio of evidence — this supports both your assessment and future job or university applications
Employment
Teaching assistant or higher-level teaching assistant (HLTA)
Early years practitioner or nursery worker
Childminder or playgroup leader
SENCO support assistant
Family support worker
Learning mentor or intervention support
Nursery manager (with further experience)
Primary school teacher (with a degree)
Apprenticeships
Level 3 and Level 5 Early Years apprenticeships are widely available, as are Level 3 Teaching Assistant apprenticeships. Many schools and nurseries recruit directly from T Level placements.
Below are potential degree paths related to this T Level.
Please note: University acceptance of T Levels varies. Always verify individual entry requirements before applying.
Special & Inclusive Education BA/BSc
Early Childhood Studies BA
Education BA/BSc
