Assessment Methods
In both years, you will be assessed through written examinations, observations of your skills in placement, employer projects, group work, and presentations.
Progression Options
On successful completion, you will achieve Early Years Educator (EYE) status which is required to work in early years settings. Therefore, you could find employment in a nursery or primary school – many of our students secure employment with their placement settings.
Alternatively, you could progress to study Higher Education, including our Early Childhood Education and Care Degree at University Centre Somerset. Other degrees include teaching, educational psychology, work-based primary teaching routes, and wider degrees related to working with children.
Entry Requirements
You need five GCSEs in the 9 to 4 range, with a grade 4 in English Language, maths and science.
A minimum of one week’s work experience in a relevant education / childcare setting, as well as a keen interest in working with children.
You will need an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with no disclosures, as you will complete work placements in two early years settings and/or primary schools, as part of your course.
If you have not achieved the required grades to start the T Level, you could complete our Level 2 programme designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours to progress to the T Level, subject to your GCSE grades and a successful interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
The Student Experience Team can mentor and signpost students who are struggling with a range of issues that are negatively impacting their day-to-day life. The Student Experience Team works closely with the Safeguarding & Lifestyle Teams to promote proactive wellbeing enrichment sessions. The team can refer on to counselling when appropriate.
We provide top-quality workshops and teaching areas across our Colleges for subjects such as art, design and media, hair and beauty, catering, automotive engineering and construction. You can review our campus facilities by navigating to the “College Life” section of our websites.
For us, the success of our students always comes first. By investing in our built environment, we are investing in your future.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
The Safeguarding Team can offer advice and guidance on anything that may be affecting your young person and their studies – no problem is too big or too small!
Please email our Safeguarding team at staysafe@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. If you query is urgent, please come to the College Reception and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Officer.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.