Level 3
Education and Early Years, T Level
Level 3
Education and Early Years, T Level
If you’re passionate about supporting young children as they learn, play, and grow, this T Level gives you the perfect mix of classroom learning and real industry experience. Designed with employers, this programme prepares you for skilled work in nurseries, preschools, and early years settings – while also keeping university pathways wide open.
Course Overview
Across two years, you’ll gain the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence needed to become a highly effective early years professional, supported by extensive placement experience built into the course.
The level 3 qualification is equivalent to 3 A levels. It is also a Licence to Practice at Early Years Educator level in an Early Years setting.
This qualification has been developed in consultation with employers to ensure that you develop the knowledge skills and behaviours required to work in the Early Years sector. It will also provide the opportunity to progress to University or to undertake a Higher Apprenticeship.
What will I study?
This course is a 2-year course and you will study a range of subjects relating to children from Birth to 19 years of age:
- Safeguarding, Health and Safety
- Early Years Foundation Stage/National Curriculum
- Child Development
- Theories of Development and Learning
- Observation, assessment, and planning
- Supporting Teaching and Learning
- Physical Care Routines Additional qualifications are also studied throughout the two years and will enhance your employability profile and support access to University. Before starting Year 2, you will make a choice as to whether you wish to venture down the Early Years Educator route or the Assisting Teaching route.
Your Placement
Placement is a vital aspect of your course, and you will need to spend approximately 750 hours working with children over the 2 years. You will do this on two days each week and also through block placements each term. You will need to undertake a DBS check before starting your placement.
During the first few weeks of placement every learner is expected to shadow a member of staff to ensure they are aware of their roles and responsibilities in the setting. You should then start to take on more responsibilities and show initiative in planning and managing your time.
During your time in placement you will be required to:
- Follow settings' policies and procedures
- Be prepared for all activities and wear suitable clothing - including a college placement polo top.
- Complete observations on children and plan activities for them.
- Act as a professional member of the team.
- Be observed by your college assessor as part of your course assessment
Assessment methods
The course is assessed through exams, industry placement, work-based project, and synoptic assessment.
Entry requirements
The entry requirements for this course are at least 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 and above including English and maths at Grade 4.
Additional Information
Throughout your course, you will benefit from:
Membership of our Career Excellence Hub
An industry placement in nurseries, preschools, or schools
Strong links with early years employers and support from placement coordinators
Employer-led workshops, guest speakers, and enrichment
Opportunities to gain additional sector-relevant skills
Trips, visits, and real-world projects, including a European residential trip
Support with university applications or employment routes
Entry requirements
A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9–4, including English and maths
A successful DBS check
A genuine interest in working with young children in a professional setting
What can I do after this course?
After completing the T Level, you can go work towards a career as a qualified Early Years Educator, Nursery practitioner or Preschool assistant.
You can also progress onto higher education studies, including:
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Early Childhood Studies
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Primary Education
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Child Psychology
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Special Educational Needs
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Education Studies
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Or move into related roles such as:
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Family support worker
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Play therapist assistant
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SEN support practitioner
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The T Level also supports progression into apprenticeships, including:
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Early Years Lead Practitioner
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Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship
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Primary Teaching Apprenticeship (graduate level pathway)
What do I do now?
Ready to apply? – Please use the ‘apply now’ button on this page. From here you’ll be taken through to our application portal.
What to learn more? – Visit and see the facilities and chat to staff by (signing up for our next open event)[https://www.weston.ac.uk/open-evening]
Have a quick question? – Use our Live Chat facility on the bottom right of this page.
