T-Level Week - Celebrating our Students
This week marks the celebration of ‘National T-Levels Week’ 19th – 23rd October.
T Levels are equivalent to three A Levels and take two years to complete.
They are excellent for students to regularly attend college tutorials and to accompany their academic learning with regular hands on experience.
This year we are joined by Tanzin and Neave.
They are currently in their second year studying Level 3 Early Years Education and Childcare at North Devon College, Barnstaple.
Both Neave and Tanzin attend lectures at college twice per week and the remainder three days on site in our nursery.
Neave who undertook GCSE in Early Years said this course is a lot more involved because a lot of the coursework is built on practical experience. Tanzin agrees highlighting how the experience to shadow professionals is essential. Tanzin further explains; “You can learn about the theorists and learn other things in college that prepare you. When you are in the nursery, you can see how they, (nursery nurses), put the theory into action. For example if a child needs a moment to feel calm before going on the bike.”
Both students wholeheartedly agree that St. Michael’s is a welcoming space and they feel more confident and comfortable over the course of their time spent here. They feel that they are able to ask questions, shadow experienced staff and the management & leadership is good.
Both Neave and Tanzin have future goals surrounding special educational needs and disabilities.
Tanzin is keen to build her knowledge in education and how to support children, perhaps in a residential environment.
Neave lent on her personal experiences with supporting children with SEND and she now has insight from a professional point of view. She is keen to learn Makaton and to support children with delayed speech and language.
We wish both Neave and Tanzin all the very best for a very bright future in the Early Years sector.
Over the years we have seen many students flourish, many of whom have found employment with St. Michael’s Nursery.
Our very own Librarian Danni, qualified in Early Years Educational T-Levels in 2023.
Danni originally started out on our bank list for retained staff. She then went onto become a full time member of the Dragonflies team. Danni has brought literacy to the forefront at St. Michael’s with her love of story telling. When Danni was a student completing her T-Levels, her tutor noted that Danni excels in literacy and story telling.
Danni still has aspirations to continue her professional development by increasing her skill set in speech, language and communication. She has such a drive and passion to instill an early love for reading for young children as she knows this supports children’s early speech and language skills.
Danni is now all set to add another string to her bow while she accepts the interim role of maternity cover Team Leader.
Danni is “excited” to take on this role and plans to meet challenges head on; “I plan to shadow Amy to learn more about the paperwork aspect of this role and to prepare myself in leading this lovely, solid and coherent team in Dragonflies. I like to boost morale and communicate with the team to ensure everyone is happy.”
Ellie-May is a valued member of the Dragonfly team and qualified with her T-Level in childcare in June 2025.
The T-Levels were incredibly valuable to Ellie-May’s confidence, knowledge and understanding. The course supported her knowledge on policies, procedures and theory of the early years.
Ellie-May is keen to progress and continue her professional development, “I’m keen to expand my learning by completing extra courses and training.”
Congratulations to Abi, after two years on placement at St. Michael’s, has gained distinction for her Level 3 Early Years Educator. She now embarks on her studies at Norland University, a prestigious degree and we wish her all the luck in the world.
Lola is currently undertaking her teacher training, following her experience and placement at St. Michael’s where she gained knowledge and experience across all age groups. She gained her T-Level Level 3 in 2022 – 2024.
Lola has very special qualities where she is able to join any age group with her enthusiasm and understanding and she will see the potential in every child. We wish Lola all the very best for her future teaching career.
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