Early Years Educator T-Level - Education and Early Years

Why study Early Years Educator at Derby?

Launch a rewarding career – perfect for 16–18-year-olds passionate about working with children and shaping their early development.
Elite qualification – T Levels are equivalent to 3 A-Levels, carrying UCAS points, and prepare you for higher education, apprenticeships, or professional roles.
Hands-on industry experience – complete a minimum of 750 hours in real-world placements with nurseries, schools, and childcare providers.
Learn from experts – guidance from experienced tutors and industry professionals ensures you gain practical and theoretical knowledge.
Develop specialist skills – build expertise in safeguarding, SEND, behaviour management, play, attachment, and working with families.
Open doors to exciting careers – progress further to roles such as Early Years Practitioner, Primary School Teacher, Childminder, or Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator.

This is a 2-year course which has been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that the content meets the needs of the industry.

You will gain a breadth of knowledge and understanding of concepts, theories, and principles relevant to the Early Years/Childcare sector.

What you will study

The programme includes the following core content and specialist units:

Safeguarding, Health, and Wellbeing
Supporting Education
Behaviour
Equality and Diversity
Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)
Parents, Families, and Carers
Play and Development
Attachment
Working in Partnership

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

How you will learn

This course will be delivered in a variety of ways including in a formal classroom setting, e-learning, and in real-world environments. As part of the T Level programme, you are required to complete a minimum of 750 hours industry placement with a local employer, equivalent to two day per week over the two-year course period.

Careers

Students who achieve this qualification could look forward to a future career as an Early Years Practitioner, Primary School Teacher, Childminder or Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator.

Entry requirements

You will need a minimum of a Grade 4 in English, a Grade 4 in Maths and Grade 4 in at least two other academic GCSEs.

As this programme will involve working with children, you will be required to undertake a satisfactory disclosure and barring service (DBS) check.

Fees and funding

If you are aged 16-18 on 31 August 2025, you will not usually pay tuition fees for your course. Most full-time college-level study programmes are fully funded for this age group.

However, you may still have additional costs, including: travel to and from college, uniforms, kits, and equipment, educational trips, meals while at college, childcare (if applicable).

This is where the college bursary can help support you.

How to apply

Ready to take the next step? Applying is quick and easy, just complete our online application form using the link below.

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Additional information about your studies

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.