School Leaver

Start Date: Duration: Level: Study mode: Course Location: Course Type:
September 2 Years Level 3 Full-Time Bede Campus T Levels Apply Enquire

What’s it all about?

Unlock your potential in the field of Education and Early Years with our T Level qualification, meticulously crafted to open doors to both employment and further study. This dynamic programme integrates rigorous academic learning with substantial practical experience. You'll gain a deep understanding of child development and education theories, enabling you to support children’s growth effectively.

Our graduates emerge fully equipped to step into roles such as early years educators, education technicians, or teaching assistants, and are well-prepared to excel in higher education. With this qualification, you'll develop the skills and confidence to make a significant impact in the lives of young learners. Start your journey towards a rewarding career, making a real difference in the educational landscape.

You will need 5 GCSE's at grade 4-9 including Maths and English and a clear DBS.

Study level Cost
16-18 Free

Our T Level in Education and Early Years combines interactive classroom learning with hands-on experience to ensure comprehensive development. The programme is assessed through a blend of rigorous examinations and practical projects, reflecting real-world challenges.

This dual approach ensures you not only grasp theoretical concepts but also apply them effectively in educational settings. With industry placements, you gain invaluable insights and practical skills, closely guided by professionals. This structured teaching and robust assessment prepare you to excel as a skilled practitioner, ready to innovate and inspire in the dynamic field of early education.

GCSE Maths and English are vital stepping stones for your academic and professional journey. Achieving a good grade in these subjects not only fulfills most college entry requirements but also equips you with essential skills critical in almost every field. Whether you're calculating percentages in business, crafting compelling arguments, or simply managing daily tasks, these core subjects enhance your problem-solving and communication abilities, setting a solid foundation for your future studies and career success. Start your college course with confidence by securing these key qualifications!

Our T-Level courses combine classroom learning with hands-on industry experience, providing you with the skills and knowledge highly valued by employers. You'll spend 80% of your time on academic studies and 20% on a 45-day work placement, totalling over 315 hours of practical exposure. This balance ensures a comprehensive understanding of your field and enhances your professional skills.

You can arrange your own placement or use our student placement team's expertise. This mandatory component prepares you for real career challenges and opportunities as you transition from student to professional.

At Sunderland College our commitment to your future goes beyond the classroom. We are dedicated to providing you with real-world experiences and industry insights that will prepare you not just to enter, but to excel in your chosen field. Here’s how we connect you with the industry:

• Placement Opportunities: Dive into your future career with our hands-on placement opportunities. These are not just work experiences, but gateways to potential employment and invaluable learning. They’re a core part of our courses, offering you a chance to apply academic theories in real-world scenarios.
• Networking Events: Build your professional network early. Our placement and careers fairs are your chance to meet and impress potential employers. These events are designed to help you forge significant industry connections that can enhance your career prospects. Attend talks, engage in discussions, and explore apprenticeship opportunities with employers who are eager to meet fresh talent.
• Expert Insights: Stay ahead of the curve with talks from specialist speakers. These industry leaders share the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field, giving you the inside track on what to expect and how to thrive.
• Skills Competitions: Showcase your abilities in our exciting skills competitions. Held throughout the academic year, these competitions are not just about winning – they are about learning, growing, and pushing your limits. They offer a fun, competitive environment to enhance what you learn in class and develop essential industry skills.

The aim of our T Level in Education and Early Years is to forge a pathway into the heart of the childcare and education sectors. This programme is expertly designed to provide you with the foundational knowledge, practical skills, and real-world experience required to excel as an early years educator.

You will develop a profound understanding of child development, educational theories, and inclusive practices, equipping you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young learners. Whether you aspire to further study or embark on a rewarding career, this qualification sets the stage for lifelong success in a field you love.

Discover a suite of engaging modules in our T Level in Education and Early Years, each crafted to deepen your expertise and passion for early childhood education:

Child Development: Explore the fascinating journey of growth from birth through to early childhood. Understand developmental milestones and the factors that influence them, equipping you to support each child's unique path.

Safeguarding and Welfare: Learn to create safe environments and understand legal frameworks. This module prepares you to protect and promote the welfare of children, ensuring their holistic well-being.

Observation and Assessment: Gain skills in observing young learners and assessing their progress. This practical module enhances your ability to tailor educational approaches to individual needs.

Inclusive Practice: Address the diverse needs of all children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Develop strategies for inclusive education that fosters an equitable learning environment.

Professional Practice: Build on your professional skills in real-world settings. This module includes a substantial placement, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios within the early years sector.

Communication and Teamwork: Learn effective communication techniques and teamwork strategies essential for collaborating with parents, colleagues, and other professionals in education.

Each module is interwoven with practical experiences to ensure you not only learn but also apply knowledge in real educational settings, preparing you for a fulfilling career or further study.

What’s next?

Upon completion, a world of opportunities unfolds before you. Transition seamlessly into roles such as early years educator, education technician, or teaching assistant. Alternatively, leverage the UCAS points gained to pursue higher education in related fields.

This qualification equips you with the skills and knowledge to excel in both professional environments and academic pursuits. Whether you choose to step straight into a rewarding career or further your studies, you will be well-prepared to make a significant impact on the future of education and childcare. Embrace your passion and shape the minds of tomorrow.

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93% of our students have progressed to employment, university or further study

(*Destination data, all students, 2023-24)

Why choose Sunderland College?

94% Overall pass rate for T Levels

2022-23

Top performing college group in the North East for student achievement

NARTS, 16-18 Students, 2024

98% of students said they had the freedom to express themselves

NSS, 2024

We have International award winning Immersive Spaces at both Bede and City Campus