Education and Early Years
This is a two-year technical course covering core educational themes from birth to nineteen years with specialist early years education and care content from birth to seven years. This course provides excellent opportunity for academic study alongside practical experience. Successful completion of the two years will enable students to enter the workplace as a qualified practitioner in roles such as nursery practitioner, teaching assistant, nanny, holiday rep, and other related employment. The academic skills you will develop will provide a strong basis for university study such as primary teaching, early childhood studies, special needs education and other related subjects.
YEAR 1
- Core studies: In college you will develop knowledge and understanding of the concepts and theories of the education and childcare sector; including child development from 0-19 years, safeguarding, behaviour management, observation, assessment and planning, equality and diversity, additional needs and working with others.
- Employer Set Project: A project set by education and early years specialists that requires you to apply your knowledge to a real-life problem in the industry.
- Work placement in either a school or nursery.
YEAR 2
- Occupational Specialism in Early Years Education, developing your knowledge and understanding about working with children age 0-7 years.
- Work placement in either a school or nursery.
Course Essentials
Courses Available
Level 3 T Level
Entry Requirements
Including Grade 4 in GCSE Maths. You will also need a completed DBS certificate.
A commitment to hard work and a real interest in working with children is essential.
How The Course is Assessed
Written exams in both years, controlled assessments, and successful completion of 750 hours in placement, including projects carried out in placement. Students are also assessed on their skills and competency during placement.
Career Pathways
Successful completion of the course will enable students to directly enter the workplace as a qualified practitioner, teaching assistant, nanny or other related employment. Or many students choose to progress onto a university degree course in primary teaching, early childhood studies, special needs education or other related courses..
Other Information
Please note that this course is full time, and you cannot choose it alongside other A levels.
Enquiries To
Samantha Morris: sam@varndean.ac.uk
Megan Warren
Studied: Early Years Childcare and Education T Level
Progression: Primary Teaching (3-7), University of Brighton
“Varndean Sixth Form College felt like a good fit for me. I liked the range of subjects, the more independent feel compared to school, and the overall atmosphere. It seemed like a place where I could work hard but still feel supported and comfortable.
I chose the Early Years Childcare and Education T Level because I enjoy working with children and I’m interested in a career as a primary school teacher. I liked that the course is very practical as well as academic, and that it includes a placement, so I can gain real experience while studying.
I’ve enjoyed how hands-on the course is, especially the placement, because it’s helped me build confidence and see what working in early years is really like. I’ve also enjoyed learning about child development and being able to link theory to real situations with children.
I love the independence and the atmosphere at Varndean, and I have made some good friends. I’ve also liked how supportive the teachers are and how the college helps you feel more prepared for what comes next.”
News
Education Students Excel in Assessments
Congratulations to our second year Early Years Childcare and Education students who have all passed their 20 hour controlled assessment. A particular well done to three students who have completed the full Level 3 qualification with the equivalent of 3 A* grades. Ashley will be heading to Teesside University to study BA(Hons) Primary Ed with QTS, Ann Marie is going to University of Brighton to study BA(Hons) Primary Ed with QTS and Lyra to The University of Northampton to study BSC(Hons) Occupational Therapy. Best wishes to Ashley, Ann Marie, Lyra, and all our Early Years Childcare and Education students for their bright futures ahead!
Ashley Nominated for Learner of the Year
Ashley Taylor was nominated for the prestigious NCFE ‘Learner of the Year’ award in 2024 as part of their Aspiration Awards recognising exceptional learners. During his time at college, Ashley demonstrated an extraordinary ability to balance responsibilities at home, a job, and his studies. He completed his Childcare and Education course ahead of schedule, achieving an incredible A* in all 15 units.
After being offered places at all the universities he applied to, Ashley is now living in Teesside, where he is studying BA(Hons) Primary Education with QTS.
Foundation Year Students visit Drusillas
Varndean College’s Foundation Year Childcare students took a trip to Drusillas, observing a wide range of animals.
They participated in an animal handing session where they held hissing cockroaches, a chinchilla, an armadillo, a millipede and a snake!
They then visited the children’s play area, where students discussed how to assess risks for children visiting the zoo.
Students then returned to college to plan activities and risk assessments that would be suitable for young children as part of their coursework.
