Quick facts
| Qualification type | T Level |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Study times | You will be expected to be in college for a minimum of 3 days per week, from 9:00 to 4:15. Alongside 2 days a week on placement. Your timetable will be confirmed at induction. |
| Entry requirements | Entry is by interview. Applicants will need a minimum of five GCSE's Grade 4 or above, including maths and English at Grade 4 |
| Campus | West Suffolk College Sixth Form Campus, Bury St Edmunds |
| Work placements | Yes |
Is it for me?
The T-level Education and Childcare is a two-year course providing students with the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to progress into skilled employment. On completion of the two years, you will have a licence to practice and can work in a supervisory role within an early year's provision.
This course covers knowledge of child development and education from birth to eighteen years; therefore, is an excellent foundation to progress onto a degree for teaching posts in education.
As a T level qualification this course provides a chance for you to learn on the job. During your time on the course classroom learning will account for 80% of your time, while your industry placement makes up the other 20%. In Education and Childcare you will spend 750 hours in placement. What makes T Levels unique is that they have been specially designed with employers and businesses so as soon as you qualify you can step straight into your chosen career, higher apprenticeship or degree confident that you are equipped with all the industry knowledge you need to succeed.
Work experience placements
You will need to complete a practical placement to show competence in your knowledge and skills: a total of 750 hours workplace experience (450 hrs year 1 and 350 hrs year 2) which ensures students leave with significant confidence in their vocational skillset which is highly valued across the vast choice of sector opportunities and university courses.
Assessment
You will be assessed in Two core knowledge exams, an Employer set Project and on a Occupational specialism synoptic project.
Further study
Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons)
Example careers
Early Years Teacher
Education Consultant
Family Support Worker
Education Mental Health Practitioner
Health Play Specialist
Learning Mentor
Play Therapist
Primary School Teacher
Social Worker
Special Educational Needs Teacher
Teaching Assistant
Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)
Youth Worker
Children's Nurse
Speech Therapist
Community Worker
Days & times
Starting September 2025