Start: September 2026
Duration: 2 Years
Code: T3TEAPF1KN
Start: September 2026
Duration: 2 Years
Code: T3EDCPF1KN

Course Overview

The Early Years Educator T Level is a two-year technical qualification, equivalent to three A Levels, that combines classroom learning with substantial industry experience. Developed in partnership with employers, it prepares you for skilled careers in nurseries, preschools, and other early years settings while providing an excellent pathway to university.

You'll learn from experienced tutors with professional backgrounds in childcare, nursery leadership, and primary education, exploring child development, safeguarding, inclusive practice, play-based learning, and professional responsibilities. Based at Knightstone Campus, you'll benefit from specialist early years facilities, including a community room, industry-standard training spaces, and a dedicated bubble room for messy play activities. You'll also become part of Weston College's Career Excellence Hub, giving you access to employer partnerships, guest speakers, enrichment activities, and extensive placement opportunities throughout your studies.

What will I study?

You'll develop specialist knowledge and practical skills in:

• Child development and early education
• Observation, assessment, and planning
• Safeguarding, health, and wellbeing
• Equality, diversity, and inclusive practice
• Supporting play, creativity, and early learning
• Working with parents, carers, and multi-agency professionals
• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
• Behaviour support and building positive relationships
• Professional practice, values, and ethics
• The early years curriculum and statutory frameworks
• Supporting children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development
• Planning and leading learning activities
• Providing responsive care to meet children's individual needs
• Working effectively as part of an early years team

How will I be assessed?

Assessment includes:

• A core examination
• An employer-set project
• Practical assessments during your industry placement
• Occupational specialism assessments that demonstrate your professional competence

Successful completion leads to a nationally recognised T Level qualification carrying UCAS tariff points for higher education.

Additional Information

Throughout your course, you'll benefit from:

• Membership of Weston College's Career Excellence Hub
• A substantial industry placement in nurseries, preschools, or schools
• Strong employer partnerships and dedicated placement support
• Guest speakers and employer-led workshops
• Opportunities to develop additional sector-specific skills
• Educational visits, enrichment activities, and a European residential trip
• Support with university applications, apprenticeships, and career planning

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of five GCSEs at grades 9–4, including English and maths
• A successful DBS check

You'll also need a genuine interest in working professionally with young children.

What can I do after this course?

Successful completion can lead directly to employment, higher apprenticeships, or university.

Career opportunities include:

• Early Years Educator
• Nursery Practitioner
• Preschool Assistant
• Early Years Support Worker

You could also progress to higher education in:

• Early Childhood Studies
• Primary Education
• Child Psychology
• Special Educational Needs
• Education Studies

Other progression routes include:

• Family Support Worker
• Play Therapy Assistant
• SEN Support Practitioner
• Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship
• Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship
• Graduate Teacher Apprenticeship pathways

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.

Want to learn more? – Visit and see the facilities and chat to staff by signing up for our next Open Event.

Have a quick question? – Use our Live Chat facility on the bottom right of this page.

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You will need to complete a full enrolment form prior to starting your course.

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