Students in classroom completing assignments
  • Starts 1 September 2026
  • London Road Campus
  • 2 Years
  • T Levels
  • FLR3TEC(2628)
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  • Who is it for?

    Training to be an early years educator will suit students if they are caring, responsible, patient, calm, efficient, energetic, and creative. This course will equip them with the skills to ensure that they can support young children to be prepared for school. The course covers the requirements that an early years educator must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well and to keep them healthy and safe.

  • Entry Requirements

    A minimum of five GCSEs in appropriate areas at Grade 4 or above, including English and Maths, or a CACHE Level 2 Diploma, plus Functional Skills at Level 2. Those considering a career in primary teaching or nursing will also require at least Grade 4 in GCSE Science.
  • What does the course involve?

    During the two-year programme, students will learn the core knowledge and skills that are needed for entry to a range of education and early years occupations. Students will learn to provide children with a range of knowledge and skills to help them develop a foundation for good progress throughout their lives. Students will be able to support young children aged from birth to five years old in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Also included is a Level 1 Introduction to Forest School.

    All students will develop an understanding of:
    • An understanding of the education and early years sector from ages 0 to 19
    • Child development
    • How to support children and young people’s education
    • Safeguarding, health and safety and wellbeing
    • Understanding and managing behaviour
    • Observing and assessing children and young people
    • Equality and diversity
    • Special educational needs and disability
    • English as an additional language
    • Working with parents, carers and wider families
    • Working with agencies and services that support children, families and carers
    • Reflective practice and other forms of professional development
    • Paediatric First Aid.

    Students will spend three days a week in college and two days in either a local school (Reception class) or day care nursery setting, adding up to a minimum of 750 hours across two years

  • How is the course assessed?

    Year 1 students will be assessed via the core component of: Paper A written examination, Paper B written examination, and an Employer-Set Project (ESP).

    Year 2 students will be assessed via an occupational specialism component through a series of synoptic assignments and assessments, structured observations and two assessments.

  • Additional Notes

    Our students can go into full-time employment or into higher education. Students can progress into roles such as nursery practitioner, teaching assistant, learning mentor, portage worker, playworker, and SEN teaching assistant.

  • Other Details

    Essential work placement of two days a week, plus a minimum of 750 hours across the two-year course.

  • What do I do next?

    You can apply online via the APPLY button. You can also apply for a second, alternative programme of study such as A Levels via a separate application. If after reading this factsheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our open evenings, ring the Admissions Department on 01743 653111, or email admissions@scg.ac.uk

Teaching Courses

  • Certificate in Understanding Autism

    Start anytime

    London Road Campus

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  • Certificate in Understanding Behaviour That Challenges

    Start anytime

    London Road Campus

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  • Certificate in Understanding Safeguarding and Prevent

    Start anytime

    London Road Campus

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  • Certificate in Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties

    Start anytime

    London Road Campus

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  • Foundation Degree in Education

    Starts 9 September 2025

    London Road Campus

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  • Level 5 Cert Ed in Post-Compulsory Education and Training

    Starts 17 September 2025

    London Road Campus

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  • PGCE in Post-Compulsory Education and Training

    Starts 17 September 2025

    London Road Campus

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  • Education Level 3 Taster

    Starts 4 March 2026

    London Road Campus

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  • Level 2 NCFE CACHE Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning

    Starts 10 September 2025

    London Road Campus

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  • Level 3 NCFE Diploma Supporting Teaching & Learning

    Starts 10 September 2025

    London Road Campus

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  • Level 3 Pearson BTEC Award in Education & Training

    Starts 18 March 2026

    London Road Campus

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  • Work-based Mentor Introduction

    Starts 1 September 2025

    London Road Campus

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  • T Level Foundation Programme: Early Years Practitioner

    Starts 1 September 2026

    London Road Campus

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  • T Level in Education and Childcare: Assisting Teaching

    Starts 31 August 2026

    London Road Campus

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  • T Level in Education and Childcare: Early Years Educator

    Starts 1 September 2026

    London Road Campus

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Where can it take me?

Teaching and other educational professionals n.e.c.

Job holders in this unit group perform a variety of other education and teaching occupations not elsewhere classified in MINOR GROUP 231: Teaching and Educational Professionals.

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Child and early years officers

Child and early years officers work with babies and with children up to 14 years of age (or 16 for those with special needs), providing support, help and advice to individuals or within a family context.

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Nursery nurses and assistants

Nursery nurses and assistants care for children from birth up to seven years of age in day or residential nurseries, children’s homes, maternity units and similar establishments.

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Opportunities to find out more about the college

  • Year 11 Taster Sessions (virtual on-demand)
    7 October 2025 - 1 July 2026 - 4.30pm-12.00pm Book
  • Open Evening 2025: Virtual
    7 October 2025 - 1 July 2026 - 6.30pm-7.30pm Book
  • Open Evening 2025: English Bridge Campus #1
    14 October 2025 - 5.00pm-8.00pm Book
  • Open Evening 2025: Welsh Bridge Campus #1
    14 October 2025 - 5.00pm-8.00pm Book
  • Open Evening 2025: London Road Campus #1
    23 October 2025 - 5.00pm-8.00pm Book
  • Open Evening 2025: English Bridge Campus #2
    6 November 2025 - 5.00pm-8.00pm Book