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Home > Courses > T Level Technical Qualification in Childcare – Assisting Teaching

T Level: Childcare – Assisting Teaching

Prepare for a career in childcare and education with our T Level, combining classroom theory, practical learning, and industry placements to develop essential skills and knowledge.

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Start Date: 15 Sep 2025

Mode of Study: Full-Time

Location: Chaffron Way Campus

Days: Mon to Fri

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Course overview

What will I do?

What’s next?

Is it for me?

Apply now

Course overview

T Levels are new two-year, Level 3 study programme that will follow the study of GCSEs and Technical Awards at Key Stage 4 and offer an attractive alternative to A Levels and Apprenticeships. T Levels will combine classroom theory, practical learning and a minimum 315 hours of industry placement with an employer to make sure students have real experience of the workplace. The Technical Qualification (TQ) is the main classroom-based element of the T Level and will see students learning from a curriculum that has been shaped by industry experts. During the two-year programme, students will learn the core knowledge that underpins each industry and they will also develop occupationally specific skills that will allow them to enter skilled employment within a specific occupation.

Please note: T Levels are only available for students that will be 16-18 whilst studying the qualification.

What will I do?

T level in Childcare and Education – Assisting Teaching Pathway is a composite technical study programme, aimed at preparing young people for work, higher level Apprenticeships or Higher Education. The qualification has 2 components: core component and occupational specialism components. The core component provides a high-level foundation of knowledge and skills that are relevant to all occupational specialisms. The occupational specialism component covers the knowledge, understanding, skills and behaviours required to achieve threshold competence in a chosen assisting teaching occupational specialism.

Modules covered are:

•Support the class teacher to enhance children’s education, individually and in groups. •Plan, provide and review educational opportunities in collaboration with teachers and other adults.
•Safeguard and promote the health, safety and wellbeing of children and young people. •Recognise, adapt and respond to individual children’s needs, including those with SEND, to support development and access to the curriculum.

Students undertaking assisting teaching specialism are required to complete the minimum of 315 hours within industry placement within an Educational Setting.

What’s next?

When students complete a T Level study programme, they will be able to choose between moving into:

A skilled occupation
Higher or degree level apprenticeships
Higher level technical study, including higher education

Is it for me?

Entry requirements: Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English language, Maths and science OR a vocational qualification at Level 2 at Merit and above in a relevant subject e.g. BTEC in Digital Information Technology with GCSE English language & Maths at 4 or above.

Don’t worry if you don’t quite have these results. Our Digital Transition Programme is designed to help you get on the T Level pathway. Apply for the T Level, and all of this can be discussed with you at interview. See below for more information about the Transition Programme.

A student will need to express a genuine interest in wanting to work within the childcare and education sector. The student will need to possess the ability to be able to be self-motivated, critical thinker and problem solver. Demonstrate good communication skills, work collaboratively with others and be able to reflect upon their own learning and development.

Entry requirements

4 or above in English language, 4 or above in Maths and two other GCSES at 4 and above.

Frequently asked questions

Course highlights

• Learners will gain a recognised and current qualification within childcare and education which will provide the student with the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to progress into skilled employment or higher-level technical training or study in the education and childcare sector.

• Substantial industry placement with an external employer.

• Specialist Childcare practical rooms

• Experienced tutors with a wealth of industry knowledge.

• A Designated progress mentor and learning coach to support students with developing and supporting learners within their academic skills and broader development, enabling them to develop and discover their interests and talents, as well as preparing learners for life in modern Britain.

• We have a range of guest speakers from childcare and education establishments, along with external trips to local schools, universities, and trips to industry-based events.

How much will I have to study each week?

Three full days within college and two days a week industry placement. Learners will be given set homework tasks within the five themes and four performance outcomes on a weekly basis.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment consists of:
Core component:
Paper A written examination
Paper B written examination
ESP (versions specific to each occupational specialism)

Occupational specialism component:
Synoptic assignments (specific to assisting teaching) and series of controlled observations, which take place within industry placement.

Work experience and employers

There are many different work experience opportunities available within the assisting teaching pathway. We work in partnership with a wide range of statutory, voluntary, and independent educational settings, as well as specialised settings – for example special educational schools. Students will be given a designated mentor within their setting which will provide support and guidance throughout their time within the placement. Learners will need to complete the minimum of 315 hours within industry placement within an Educational Setting.

EXPLORE COURSES

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How to apply

T Level Technical Qualification in Childcare – Assisting Teaching
(A805P-1/2)

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Start Date

15 Sep 2025

Days

Mon to Fri

Location

Chaffron Way Campus

Our College, your future…

Introduction to Care Professions

Have you always liked being around children? Do you want to make a difference to children’s lives? If you’ve got an understanding nature and are determined to succeed, a career in childcare can be extremely rewarding. You will become familiar with the practices of childcare, from child development to learning through play. You’ll have the opportunity to make a huge difference in children’s lives, helping them to learn basic skills such as tying shoelaces or learning to count. Our childcare courses prepare you for a challenging, but very rewarding industry, that offers vast progression opportunities.
Courses Available

Childcare – Intermediate

Health & Social Care Intermediate

Health & Social Care Advanced

T Level in Education and Early years
How to get into the industry

Many childcare careers do not need high level qualifications but do need a genuine love for children and interest in their welfare and development. Teaching careers require a degree and qualified teacher status. Working hours are usually Mon-Fri, but may include early mornings and late evenings as part of wrap-around care or to prepare for the next day.
Courses Available

T Level Technical Qualification in Childcare – Assisting Teaching

T Level Technical Qualification in Health
Why study at Milton Keynes College?

Milton Keynes College offers fantastic facilities, dedicated support, and a wide range of qualifications. Our courses are designed with industry partners, ensuring you gain relevant skills for better employability. Located near some of the country’s largest businesses, the college provides excellent networking and professional opportunities, giving you an advantage when starting your career.

Why choose College?

There’s so much more to college than just your study programme. You’ll have the chance to make new friends and meet like-minded people, gaining more free time and independence in a less formal environment than at school. Milton Keynes College provides financial support and real working environments, giving you practical experience. You can also benefit from work experience opportunities with local and national businesses. By joining the student community, you’ll be part of a supportive network that enhances your personal and professional growth.

Application Journey

The application journey starts with researching your options to find the best course for you. From September, you can apply online. College interviews begin in November, giving you a chance to present yourself and learn more about our college. Discovery Days in July allow you to come on campus and get a real taste of college life. In August, you will receive your GCSE results, which are key for finalising your college placement. Enrolment then happens in August and September with your course beginning in September.

Ready to get started?

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