T-level: Education and Childcare (Early Years Educator)
- Start:
- September
- Location:
- Balliol Road Campus
- Level:
- 3
Course Details
Advance your knowledge of early years education with a Level 3 T-level Qualification in Education and Childcare. A course that’s split between classroom learning and nursery placements, there’s a strong focus on supporting child development and exploring new ways to learn. Get prepared for life after college, wherever you’re heading.
What will you learn?
Through a mix of theory and practical learning, you’ll cover exciting units at Hugh Baird College. A favourite among students is the child development unit, which delves into expectations of children at different ages, indications of any additional needs, and the biological and environmental factors that affect development. You’ll also spend time on a behavioural unit, understanding the signs and causes of unwanted behaviour, and creating your own reward chart to use in nurseries.You’ll explore new ways to support children, through hands-on learning (with dough and materials from nature) and yoga sessions that link to literacy.
Embark on project-based learning
Hugh Baird College is progressing towards becoming an eduScrum college. This means students get the opportunity to solve challenges using creativity, building their independence and boosting collaboration. This involves project-based learning, such as designing an outdoor area for a nursery. Students handle everything from mood boards to budgeting, questionnaires for parents, drawing out a plan and choosing which equipment should go in the area.Learning beyond the classroom
Level 3 Early Years Educator students get lots of opportunities to step away from their desks and get hands-on with learning. This year sees the opening of a brand-new nursery in the College. You’ll be largely based here, setting up activities with children from nearby nurseries.You’ll also visit the primate enclosure at Chester Zoo to listen to talks about mother-baby bonds in primates, to support your studies of the attachment theory.
Is this course right for you?
This course is open to students aged 16-19. We’re looking for people who are passionate about working with children, can work with all types of people, and have the confidence to go out into the industry.It’s best if you already have a Level 2 Early Years Diploma, and at least 4 GCSEs at grade 4 and above (including Maths and English) are essential. A T-level Transition Programme in Education and Childcare is available to build your underpinning knowledge before moving on to this course.
How will you be assessed?
Since this T-level Education and Childcare Qualification is in line with A-Levels, students are expected to sit two exams, build up a portfolio, and carry out an employer-set project. For the employer-set project, you’ll be given a scenario involving a child in a particular setting and you’ll create a care plan for that child. This is carried out over 12 hours, and involves a written description and recorded group discussion about how you’d meet this particular child’s needs.Where to next?
Around 80% of students go on to University after this course, while others defer their University place (or skip further education altogether) and go straight into employment. There’s a high demand for level 3 qualified staff, and an exciting time to start your career in the industry.Your dream career starts here
Give yourself the best start to a career as an early years educator. Apply today at Hugh Baird College.
Core components:
- 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
Occupational specialism - Early Years Educator:
- 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
- University - including FdA Children, Young People and their Services at the Hugh Baird University Centre
- Higher/Degree Apprenticeship
- Employment
T-levels are recognised by Universities and hold a more substantial UCAS value than some A-levels or BTECs. A T-level is worth the equivalent of 3 A-levels. Due to the high level of industry experience you will receive, you would also be in a very strong position to move onto an Apprenticeship.
On completion of your T-level, the career opportunities are wide-ranging and diverse. You could access further training/Higher Education to work towards a career as a:
- Pre-school worker
- Education Support Worker
- Play Therapist
- Family Support Worker
- Nursery Nurse
- Practitioner in day nurseries
- Practitioner in nursery schools
- Practitioner in reception classes in primary schools
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Entry Requirements
How much will this course cost me?
Aged 16-18
Free.
Aged 19+
There may be fees associated with this course, however, you may be eligible to have some or all of these fees waived by the College, depending on your individual circumstances.
Visit our Finance and Funding for Adults page to find out more.
Financial Support (all ages)
You may be eligible to receive financial support for course fees, travel and childcare. Please visit our Student Finance page for more information.
Please call 0151 353 4444 or email student.finance@hughbaird.ac.uk with any queries.
Upcoming Events
Come and explore this course and the College at an open event:
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions that we are often asked:
If you are aged 16-18 then the majority of our courses are free for you to study.
If you are aged 19+ then there may be fees associated with this course, however, you may be eligible to have some or all of these fees waived by the College, depending on your individual circumstances.
Visit our Finance and Funding for Adults page to find out more.
You do not have to let a lack of money stop you from coming to Hugh Baird College. We have bursaries and grants in place to help support those students that may find it more difficult to cover the costs of participating in further education, these include help with things such as tuition fees, childcare and travel. Visit our Student Finance pages for more information.
No. We can enrol students from any area. Public transport links are good too, so the College is easy to get to from all across Merseyside.
Yes! We help thousands of adults every year to achieve their career dreams. They are a great place to start if you want to get back into education to pursue a new career or simply learn additional skills. Depending on your circumstances, you could study these courses for free - visit our Finance and Funding for Adults page to find out more about this.
College courses in the UK are grouped into levels and types, from Entry level to Level 7, to show how they compare and what other courses they can lead to. To learn more, read our blog post.
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