Education and Childcare T Level

Course Overview

This T Level in Education and Childcare, following the Assistant Teaching specialism, is a new approach to starting a career in education or working with school-aged children. Equivalent to 3 A Levels, this 2-year qualification combines classroom learning and work experience to allow you to embed theory into practice.


The technical qualification is split into 2 component parts:

  • Core components = the knowledge and underpinning concepts, theories and principles as well as core skills for the education and childcare sector.
  • Specialist Pathway = In addition to the core content, each student will study the Assistant Teaching pathway which will provide them with the knowledge and skills required to enter employment or further study in the specific occupational area.

Core Components 

  • Understanding the education and childcare sector from ages 0 to 19
  • Child development
  • How to support children and young people’s education
  • Safeguarding, health and safety and wellbeing
  • Understanding and managing behaviour
  • Observing and assessing children and young people
  • Equality and diversity
  • Special educational needs and disability
  • English as an additional language
  • Working with parents, carers and wider families
  • Working with agencies and services that support children, families and carers
  • Reflective practice and other forms of professional development

Specialist Pathway

  • Assisting teaching

glass jar full of children's crayons of assorted colours

Key Info

Minimum Entry Requirements

  • 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 including GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths. 

Assessment

  • You will be assessed through a combination of written examination, an employer-set project and a placement portfolio, including evidence of hours completed, observations and occupational specialist assignments.
  • Exam Board: NCFE

Why choose this course? 

Education requires something different for every child and shapes the future of all. This course will provide students with unique insights, sector-specific knowledge and industry skills to start a rewarding career.

Skills you'll gain

All students will undertake substantial work placements of at least 45 days, gaining experience in a range of settings and with different age groups.  This will enable you to apply classroom theory to practice, as well as bring practical experience to the classroom to support both your own learning and that of your peers.

This course requires you to take ownership of your learning through self-directed tasks and independent and group study.

Your assessments will challenge you to think critically, apply an open and non-judgemental mind-set and reflect on situations, a crucial ability when working in the sector. 

After Long Road

Your T Level can help you step straight into your chosen career, an apprenticeship or a degree.

This course is suitable for anyone wanting a career in education, youth work or that requires an understanding of child development. Students can progress into roles such as:

  • Teaching Assistant
  • Learning Mentor
  • Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant
  • Primary or secondary school teaching
  • Youth worker