T Level Foundation Education & Childcare

The Early Years T Level Foundation Year is designed to support learners who are interested in progressing onto a T Level but are not yet ready to start the full qualification.

The course provides learners with the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of the Early Years sector, alongside essential English, maths, digital and employability skills. Learners will explore key areas such as child development, safeguarding, health and safety, communication and professional behaviours.

Through a combination of practical activities, classroom learning and opportunities to engage with employers, learners will develop their confidence, independence and skills needed for further study and employment.

The overall aim of the programme is to prepare learners for successful progression onto the T Level in Education and Early Years, an apprenticeship or another suitable  Level 3 pathway.

Learners on the Early Years T Level Foundation Programme will be assessed through a range of formative and practical assessment methods to monitor their progress, develop their knowledge and skills, and prepare them for progression onto a T Level.

Assessment will include written assignments, practical activities, questioning, quizzes, group discussions, presentations and independent learning tasks. Learners will also have opportunities to demonstrate their skills and professional behaviours through employer engagement and work experience activities.

Initial assessments will identify individual starting points, with regular checks on learning, feedback and progress reviews used to monitor development, address gaps in knowledge and set meaningful targets.

Assessment will focus on developing learners' subject knowledge, English, maths, digital skills and employability skills, alongside the confidence and independence needed for further study.