Education and Early Years
This is a two-year technical course covering core educational themes from birth to nineteen years with specialist early years education and care content from birth to seven years. This course provides excellent opportunity for academic study alongside practical experience. Successful completion of the two years will enable students to enter the workplace as a qualified practitioner in roles such as nursery practitioner, teaching assistant, nanny, holiday rep, and other related employment. The academic skills you will develop will provide a strong basis for university study such as primary teaching, early childhood studies, special needs education and other related subjects.
YEAR 1
- Core studies: In college you will develop knowledge and understanding of the concepts and theories of the education and childcare sector; including child development from 0-19 years, safeguarding, behaviour management, observation, assessment and planning, equality and diversity, additional needs and working with others.
- Employer Set Project: A project set by education and childcare specialists that requires you to apply your knowledge to a real-life problem in the industry.
- Work placement in either a school or nursery.
YEAR 2
- Occupational Specialism in Early Years Education and Childcare, developing your knowledge and understanding about working with children age 0-7 years.
- Work placement in either a school or nursery.
Katie Thomas
Studied: CACHE Diploma in Childcare and Education
Progression: BA in Early Years Development and Learning, Norland College, Bath
Upon leaving Varndean, Katie gained a place at the prestigious Norland College in Bath and went on to gain a BA (Hons) in Early Years Development and Learning which is unique to Norland College. The three year course combined undergraduate degree level study with practical sessions and experience with children, enabling her to put theory into practice. Running alongside the degree, and for one year after leaving, you also work towards gaining the prestigious ‘Norland Diploma’ – otherwise known as the ‘Norland Nanny’ status.
At the end of of her three year’s training at Norland College, Katie was proud to be awarded ‘The Principal’s Award’ and is now currently completing her Newly Qualified Nanny (NQN) year, being just 6 months away from gaining her Norland Nanny status! She is currently working in London with a family with two young boys and hopes to stay on in this position after she qualifies. Although one day she would eventually love to take over her mother’s nursery!
Katie says: “I really enjoyed my time at Varndean and loved the course as it was very practical. It was an ideal stepping stone allowing me to follow my dreams of becoming a fully qualified Norland Nanny.”
Course Essentials
Courses Available
Level 3 T Level
Including Grade 4 in GCSE Maths Maths. You will also need a completed DBS certificate.
A commitment to hard work and a real interest in working with children is essential.
How The Course is Assessed
Written exams in both years, controlled assessments, projects carried out in placement and successful completion of 750 hours in placement.
Other Information
Please note that this course is full time, and you cannot choose it alongside other A levels.
Enquiries To
Samantha Morris: sam@varndean.ac.uk