Early Years Educator Level 3 – T Level
The Early Years Educator Level 3 – T Level course is suitable for learners aged 16-18 wanting a career in early years education, childcare or assisting teaching. It is a level 3 qualification studied over a two-year programme.
Who is the course for?
Who is it suitable for?
This qualification is suitable for 16-18 year old students looking to develop both knowledge and practical skills in the Education and Early Years sector.
This Technical qualification will support students on a range of progression routes including employment, higher education and higher apprenticeships.
The course includes a minimum of 45 days working with an employer in an industry placement and will include enrichment activities such as trips and guest speakers.
About this qualification
The technical qualification (TQ) forms part of the new T Level study programme.
The purpose of the Level 3 technical qualification is to ensure students have the knowledge and the practical abilities needed to progress either into skilled employment, or higher education or via a higher-level apprenticeship. The T Level is a full-time course.
Our Early Years Centre
A new centre for our first T-Level!
From September 2023 we will be starting our first T-Level at Colchester Institute and it will be in Early Years. To ensure we provide the best possible experiences for students, Colchester Institute has heavily invested in the new Early Years Centre, not only, in providing state-of-the-art facilities but ensuring that all staff from senior leadership down are fully dedicated to providing students with everything required to succeed. Our Principal and Chief Executive Alison Andreas and Chair of the Colchester Institute Corporation Board Kevin Prince officially opened the new Early Years Centre at the start of December. The Centre was supported by T Level Buildings and Facilities Improvement Grant received from the Department for Education.
T Levels are Level 3 qualifications that follow on from GCSEs. They are the equivalent to three A Levels and are new qualifications that will combine classroom theory, practical learning, and an industry placement working with an employer for 45 days.
The two-year T Level courses have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for work.
They will provide excellent destinations for students, including full-time skilled employment, higher-level apprenticeships and Higher Education degrees.
What will I Learn?
All students will develop an understanding of:
- 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
In addition to the core content, each student will follow the specialism of the Early Years Educator.
Course Structure
How is this qualification structured?
The technical qualification is split into 2 component parts:
Core component: the knowledge and underpinning concepts, theories and principles as well as core skills for the education and childcare sector and the Occupational specialism of the Early Years Educator.
The occupational specialism section provides students with knowledge and skills required to enter employment or further study in the specific occupational area.
Some units will be internally assessed, using a range of methods; others will be assessed externally and by exam.
Experience in the workplace
Industry placements are intended to provide students with the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for skilled employment in their chosen occupation which are less easily attainable by doing a qualification alone.
Qualification Title
T Level Technical Qualification in Education and Childcare (Early Years Educator)
The Early Years Educator T level will include study of a range of thought-provoking topics including:
- What are parenting styles?
- Why do we need to plan educational programmes for children’s interests and development?
- How do our early attachments influence future adult relationships in our lives?
Students will develop knowledge about child development, safeguarding, specialist educational needs, as well examining the specifics of social interaction, how language is acquired and understanding behaviour.
The course will be assessed by passing all units, which include:
- Employer set practical project
- Examinations
- Completion of work placement
Please note all students in the Early Years department are required to purchase and wear uniform both in College and at their placements.
Placements
Finding your work placement
The College will source work placements for all T Level students. For Early Years we have long established, excellent relationships with over 100 childcare providers and schools in North Essex. We have specialised staff who will visit you in the workplace and check that you are competent in your practice and that your learning is going well.
Our very successful and welcoming Early Years team are raring to go with this exciting, brand new qualification. Are you?
Assessment
How is it assessed?
Core component:
- Paper A written examination
- Paper B written examination
- Employer-Set Project
In order to achieve a grade for the 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).
If students fail to reach the minimum standard across all sub-components, they will receive a U grade. No overall grade will be issued for the core component until both sub-components have been attempted.
Occupational specialism component:
- Synoptic assignments (covering 5 specific themes)
The student is also required to successfully achieve a Distinction/Merit/Pass grade in the occupational specialism component. If the student fails to reach the specified level of attainment, they will receive a U grade.
Entry Requirements
- 5 GCSEs (9-5) including English and Maths, or satisfactory results (Merit/Distinction) in a relevant Level 2 qualification and successful completion of the NCFE Level 3 Award in Higher Level Studies
- An interview
- Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS*) check is also required.
T Levels are currently only offered to 16-18 year olds.
*Please note there is a charge of approximately £50 for a DBS check.
Career Opportunities
Students can progress into roles such as:
Course Progression
What related qualifications can you progress to?
Students who achieve this qualification could progress to employment, higher apprenticeship or higher education:
The T Level study programme is eligible for UCAS points. On successful completion of this course you could progress to study for a degree in areas such as social work, primary school teaching or early years.
All students aged 16-18 on the first day of their course will have their course fully-funded by the government.
Costs of studying
If you are/will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on the 31st August in the calendar year when you begin a programme of study, you DO NOT pay tuition fees, College registration fees or examination/board registration fees. However, there are some courses which have additional costs which could include:
- Equipment costs – such as uniforms, kits, books and so on
- Trips and enrichment activities
- DBS checks (formerly CRB checks)
- Occupational Health Screening
You will be informed of any additional costs associated with your chosen programme as early as possible to allow time for payment to be made.
Applicants thinking of enrolling on this course can apply for funding to help with the costs associated with attending college. Bursary awards can help with your course related costs such as travel, books and equipment and much more.
The bursary fund cannot provide help with costs unrelated to your course, such as general living expenses, nor can it be used as an attendance incentive.
Applications to the fund are not normally considered if the household income exceeds £30,000 but may be considered in some instances if the household is experiencing severe financial hardship.
| The 16-19 Bursary Fund is aimed at helping: |
| Students who are aged 16, 17 or 18 on the 31st August 2025 |
| Students aged 19 who started a two-year programme before their 19th birthday |
| Students aged 19 or over on 31st August 2025 who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) |
When can I apply?
******Applications for student funding for learners who started in September 2024 are still open. Applications can be made from this page using the button below.
Applications for student funding for learners starting in September 2025 will not open until the end of June 2025*****
For courses starting in September 2024, applications should be made by 1st November 2024. If you find yourself in financial hardship after this date it is important that you still contact Student Services. Applications received after 1st November will be considered on a pro-rata basis subject to need and the availability of funds.
You are advised to read the notes and policies at the beginning of the form and ensure that you provide all the evidence that is required when submitting your application.
Full details of the bursary funds, including making an application, can be found here:
How to make an Application – Watch our video guide!
****Applications for courses starting in September 2025 are now open!****
The application window for full-time courses and joint apprenticeship applications starting in September 2025 opens on Tuesday 1st October at 12pm.
Please see the information below, which provides details on things to be aware of before making an application, and what happens after you apply. We have also prepared a step-by-step video guide on how to make an application below – please view this video which will guide you through the application process.
Application Dos and Don'ts
Before submitting your online application, make sure you have got an email address which you will check frequently and which is professional and appropriate for this purpose, and use this when you create your account. Submit the application as early as possible and remember to make a note of your USERNAME and PASSWORD details! You will need these later.
Application Tips
If you have chosen the study programme you would like to apply for then you are almost there. We recommend that you read our handy application tips, watch our video and then make your application.
You can only apply for one full-time programme and one apprenticeship. You can do this together within the same application form, in what is known as a joint application.
Remember, you cannot study more than one core subject. For example, you would not be able to study two full-time programmes in different subjects simultaneously. You would take Plumbing or Music, not Plumbing and Music.
Your subject will be your primary qualification and forms the bulk of your programme of study.
Application Dos
- Apply as early as possible. We start accepting applications from 1st October 2024 and have set an initial deadline of 31st January 2025 for a priority application on your chosen programme (subject to you satisfying the entry requirements), although we still accept applications after this date but may not be able to guarantee you a place on your chosen programme.
- Think carefully about your course choice before you apply. Talk to your head of year or careers adviser at school to make sure you have explored all your options and have found a course that suits you best. You may wish to attend one of our open days to find out more before applying.
- Make sure you attend any interviews or assessments we invite you to. These are a mandatory part of our process. They give you the opportunity to find out more about our courses, as well as allowing us to make sure you are on the most appropriate course for you. Some courses may invite you to attend a second interview or audition to demonstrate your skills and to ensure you are on the most appropriate level for you.
- Please let us know if your contact details or address change. We will use a variety of letters, emails and texts to communicate with you throughout the process, and the information we provide is both confidential and vital to your application. If you move home or change your phone number and don’t inform us of any changes, you could miss some vital information.
Application Don’ts
- Do not make multiple applications. If you are unsure, for example, of which construction/trade subject you would like to study, please only make an application for one of them. Likewise, if you later wish you had applied for a different course, please don’t worry – we can change your application. Whatever the reason for wanting to change, there is no need to make another application.
- Do not use a school email address when you create your account. Remember, you will need to access this account later in the summer after you have left school.
- Do not create another account if you have previously applied. If you have applied in previous years, please do not create a new account. If you are unsure, contact us to check which username and password to use.
Just call us on 01206 712777
What Happens After I Apply?
What happens after I apply?
Once your application has been submitted our admissions team will complete some data checks
Once you have submitted your application form, a member of the Admissions team will check all of your details and your predicted (or actual) grades, including checking that you meet the published entry criteria for your chosen subject. They might email you to ask for more information.
Once your application has been checked, for most programmes you will receive an email asking you to log in to your account and book your interview. The interview is to determine that you have applied for the most suitable programme of study.
Make sure you check your emails regularly or you may miss your interview slot.
If you have applied for Music or Performing Arts we will email you with a date and time for an audition.
All communications will be sent by email, so please check them regularly or you may miss your opportunity to come in for your interview.
Interviews could be in person or they could be on the phone. This will be confirmed in the email, so please check your emails regularly so that you don’t miss important information about your interview.
When do interviews start?
Interviews for those who we have received an application from will start to take place after our Autumn Open Events. The earlier in the academic year an application is made, the earlier an interview can take place.
What happens at my telephone interview?
What happens at my telephone interview?
You will be asked to book a pre-arranged timeslot and you will need to be ready to answer your phones between the times stated. The call will come from either an 01206 number or it might show as withheld or unknown.
The interview is designed to let out teaching staff find out about you and your interest in the course. To prepare you might want to think about what you enjoy doing, why you have applied for this course, what subjects you expect to do well in (if you are still at school/college) and how you will manage your revision in readiness for any exams.
How will I know if have been offered a place?
Once you have had your interview / audition we will email you to let you know if you have an offer. Offers will be subject to you meeting the published entry requirements of the chosen programme, once GCSE results have been published and provided to the College.
If you are not offered a place on your chosen programme, we will do our best to support you in finding an appropriate alternative.
Your offer
After your interview you will be sent an email to confirm whether you have been offered a place. Please remember to keep checking your email account so that you don’t miss this as it will include important information on your next steps.
Got another question?
For any further questions relating to the post-application process please see our application and enrolment FAQ.
Watch Our Video Guide
Parents and Carers Guide to T Levels
What are T Levels
T Levels are Level 3 qualifications that follow on from GCSEs.
They are the equivalent to three A Levels and are new qualifications that combine classroom theory, practical learning, and an industry placement. They are ideal for students who enjoy learning through practical experience and real-life situations.
The Early Years Educator T Level course includes a minimum of 45 days working with an employer in an industry placement and will include enrichment activities such as trips and guest speakers.
The two-year T Level courses have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for work.
They will provide excellent destinations for students, including full-time skilled employment, higher-level apprenticeships and Higher Education degrees.
What are the advantages of T Levels
T Levels are an exciting option for post-16 education, providing a recognised qualification that is tailored to industry needs and skills.
For students looking to learn practical skills relevant to a particular job role or career path, irrespective of whether they want to go on to university to study for a degree or go straight into the workplace after year 13, T Levels are a great choice.
They are a good fit for students that aren’t interested in theory but want to learn what they’ll need to know in the workplace.
T Levels broaden the study choices for 16 years olds. They can offer a clear path to employment although, should your teen start the course and realise that industry or specialism it is not for them, there are still plenty of options for them to continue higher education or get work in a different industry once the T Level is complete.
What does the course consist of?
T Level courses consist of the following:
- an approved technical qualification specific to the chosen industry area with compulsory elements and, in some cases, optional specialisms;
- an industry placement in their chosen industry area, which might be offered as day release or as a concentrated block;
- a minimum standard in English and maths (if this had not already been achieved).
What do learners get at the end?
Students receive a nationally recognised grade and a breakdown of their achievements on the course, including how they did on their work placement.
If they don’t pass all elements of their T Level, they’ll receive a T Level statement of achievement outlining what has been completed.
How does the Industry Placement work?
A fantastic element of T Levels is the industry placement – a real job in a genuine business. Sometimes this is offered in one block, sometimes as one day each week, or it can be other combinations that suit the company.
The College will source work placements for all T Level students. For Early Years we have long established, excellent relationships with over 100 childcare providers and schools in North Essex. We have specialised staff who will visit you in the workplace and check that you are competent in your practice and that your learning is going well.
This first-hand work experience is hugely beneficial to students, enabling them to get a feel for what it’s like in the world of work and whether they like the field they’ve chosen – it’s not too late to make a change post- 18 if they don’t!
The placement can result in some students being offered jobs after they’ve completed their T Level and for those going on to higher education after college, their work experience will be impressive on their UCAS application personal statement.
Can they go to University with a T Level?
Yes, students with a T Level qualification can go on to study for a degree or a related higher-level apprenticeship.
When searching for a university course, you’ll find the entry requirements include a minimum number of UCAS points. This will often be 112 UCAS points, although this will vary from course to course, however most universities seem to accept that 112 UCAS points are the standard for the average UK student. Universities will also assess their candidates on many different factors as part of their criteria.
T Level qualifications will be graded overall as Distinction*, Distinction, Merit, Pass, and there will be grades for each aspect of the course.
The table below shows the UCAS value of each grade type. T Level grades offer the following UCAS points (shown with A level equivalents).
| UCAS Tariff Points | T Level Overall Grade | A Level |
| 168 | Distinction* | AAA* |
| 144 | Distinction | AAA |
| 120 | Merit | BBB |
| 96 | Pass | CCC |
Early Years Educator Level 3 - T Level
Qualification: T Level Technical Qualification In Education And Early Years (Level 3) (Delivered By Ncfe)
| Level | Level 3 |
|---|---|
| Location | Colchester |
| Duration | Two Years |
| Study Mode | Full-Time |
| Campus / Adult Skills Centre | Colchester Campus |
| Start Date | September 2025 |
| Fee(s) | 16-18 year old study programme only: Free |
| Awarding/Validation Body | NCFE |
Other courses in this area
Disclaimer
All fees, prices and funding information shown on this page are for courses starting in the 2024-25 academic year unless stated otherwise, and are correct at the time of entering/printing information, however these may be subject to change due to factors outside of our control. The College cannot accept legal or financial liability as a result of any such changes.
Courses fees are generally not confirmed for September until June / July due to the above factors.
The course information describes programmes offered by Colchester Institute. The College takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. The information is for guidance and does not form any part of a contract.
The College reserves the right to update and amend information as and when necessary. Colchester Institute will do its best to provide the courses shown, but may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on customer demand and other factors.
