Education & Early Years

Level 3: Extended Diploma (T Level)
Examining Board: NCFE

This T Level is equivalent to three A Levels and carries the same UCAS points tariff, so you will not study additional subjects within your core Study Programme.

You will spend at least two days per week in an Early Years setting, gaining invaluable industry knowledge and experience.

Upon completion you will be awarded with a Licence to Practice as an Early Years Educator.

 

In the first year, you will spend three days a week in college, studying elements such as child development, the wider context of education, special educational needs, and disability and reflective practice across educational settings.

You will spend two days a week in an Early Years setting developing your practical skills.

In the second year, you will develop your occupational competence specialism as an Early Years Educator by spending three days a week in your placement.

This will be complemented by two days a week in college where you will apply your practical expertise to theory and vice versa.

As a minimum, you will need (or equivalent to);

  • GCSE Mathematics grade 4
  • GCSE English Language grade 4
  • plus three more GCSEs at grade 4. A Level 2 vocational qualification at grade merit or above can be accepted in place of one GCSE.
  • to have a DBS check to allow you to participate in work placements. We can discuss this process with you at your Advice and Guidance session following your application to Huish.

You will have two written exams. They are collectively worth 70% of your grade.

You will also complete a controlled assessment (worth 30%) where you will be given pre-released materials so you can research and plan an employer-set project that you will complete in a controlled environment, with access to your notes.

You can go on to work in an early years setting as the course gives you a license to practice, meaning you will be counted as a fully qualified member of staff and included in the adult-to-child ratio.

Huish offers a couple of Apprenticeships in this area which you may be interested in.

Alternatively, students have gone on to university courses such as Early Childhood Studies, Play Specialists, Child Psychology courses or Teacher Training.

How do I gain work experience?

We will support you to secure your placement. 

Before you start your placement, you will be required to undergo a police background check and again we will be able to support you with this process.  

Can I study any other subjects alongside my T Level in Education and Early Years?

You will have a full timetable with your placement and your Education and Early Years lessons so you won’t have time for any other subjects or Enrichment.