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Education & Early Years T Level – Level 3 at Bridgwater College

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Course Type
School Leavers
Subject Area
Education & Early Years, Teaching & Training
Location
Bridgwater College
Start date
01/09/2026

Course Overview

If you are looking for a career in teaching, early years, or any career working with children, then this course is for you. This exciting programme focuses on childcare and education from 0 to 19, including child development, psychology, and behaviours. You will specialise in early years as part of the course, and gain a Level 3 Early Years Educator (EYE) licence to practise on successful completion of the course.

This course is also perfectly placed for students progressing to Primary Teaching degrees, or any degrees focused on working with children. Topics include: pedagogical approaches (teaching approaches), child development, attachment and behaviour, working with others, types of education provision, SEND, reflective practice, EAL, safeguarding, health and safety, and wellbeing.

First-year content topics may include:

  • Exploring the range and history of the educational sector, including current and topical debates
  • Child development, behaviour, and English as an additional language
  • Pedagogical (teaching) strategies and theories, including psychology, sociology, and philosophical underpinnings
  • Professional practice for education and childcare, including safeguarding, health and safety, the wellbeing of children and young people, equity and diversity, and Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)
  • Working with others in education and early years.

Second year content extends and deepens learning on the above topics, with more focus on the 0-5 age range and play-based approaches. You will be supported in putting your knowledge into practice in the workplace.

This qualification includes a mixture of classroom learning and practical experience gained during industry placements which are a minimum of 750 hours across the two years.

You also have opportunities to extend your practical skills and experience through a range of enrichment and trip activities.

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

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.