T Level in Education and Childcare 2025-26

T Levels mark a revolution in technical education. T Levels will be the gold standard technical option for young people at 16-19, increasing the status of technical and vocational study. They will give young people the knowledge and practical experience they need to pursue a skilled profession - and because they have been designed in partnership with business, will give employers the skills they need.

The new qualification brings classroom and work placement together, giving you the knowledge and skills employers need. T Levels are equivalent to 3 A Levels, with 80% classroom work and 20% industrial placement (least 45 days).

The T Level Education and Childcare course is a new and exciting opportunity designed in partnership with employers in the sector. It promotes the knowledge and skills needed to progress into employment or higher-level technical training or education.

The course gives the opportunity to develop skills through substantial industry placements with an external employer, as well as gain knowledge of core themes related to education and childcare. We have a dedicated industry placement officer who has excellent links with a substantial range of employers within early years, schools and specialist provision.

Our skilled and knowledgeable lecturers have diverse backgrounds in the sector that will support you to develop the behaviours, attributes, and tools to be an effective practitioner in the sector. Through classroom-based sessions they will support you to explore the elements of the course through fun, dynamic and innovative learning experiences.

The main core subjects explored throughout the course are:
• Element 1: Wider context
• Element 2: Supporting education
• Element 3: Safeguarding, health and safety and wellbeing
• Element 4: Behaviour
• Element 5: Parents, families and carers
• Element 6: Working with others
• Element 7: Child development
• Element 8: Observation and assessment
• Element 9: Reflective practice
• Element 10: Equality and diversity
• Element 11: Special educational needs and disability
• Element 12: English as an additional language

Occupational specialisms available explore the following areas/roles:
• Early Years Educator
• Assisting Teaching
• Supporting and Mentoring Students in Educational Settings

Students who achieve this qualification can progress to the following depending on their chosen occupational specialism:

• Employment:
- Early Years Practitioner
- Early Years Educator
- Education Technician
- Primary/Secondary/Tertiary/Teaching and Support Assistant

• Higher Education
• Apprenticeship (higher level)

On completion of this course you could continue studying through an apprenticeship to grow your skills in the workplace or study a related subject at university, such as early years or teaching. Alternatively, you can progress into employment as an early years practitioner as the course is a licence to practice.

5 GCSEs at grade 5 or above including Maths and English.

Our entry requirements are in place to support our students in achieving the qualifications they have chosen to study. In addition to the entry requirements, all students will be regularly assessed by East Durham College at an early stage in their study programme. This is to ensure that students are enrolled onto courses which suit their abilities – following assessment, there may be occasions when students are transferred to a relevant course at a higher or lower level in order to ensure they are enrolled on to the right course for them to achieve and progress.

Entry onto any course at EDC may have entry requirements in addition to exam results; this includes but is not limited to DBS checks, references, fitness to practice and at times physical requirements to be capable of achieving the practical elements of the course without assistance. Entry onto any course at East Durham College is subject to final approval from the Assistant Principal.

Core component:
• Paper A written examination
• Paper B written examination
• Employer-set project
In order to achieve a grade for core component, students must have results for both sub-components (the core (written) examination and the employer-set project).
The combined results from these sub-components will be aggregated to form the overall core component grade (A*–E and U).

Occupational specialism component:
• Synoptic assignments
The student is also required to successfully achieve a distinction/merit/pass grade in one of the occupational specialism components. If the student fails to reach the specified level of attainment, they will receive a U grade.

September 2025

Two years, full-time.