A ‘well-respected’ headteacher has praised a college for ‘inspiring the next generation of early years professionals.’
Karen Gordon, headteacher at Reedley Hallows Nursery, spoke to T Level Early Years learners at Burnley College.
She shared insights from her time in education, highlighting the importance of professional behaviours and safeguarding knowledge for success in early years roles.
She said: “You can teach skills and content but, without communication, initiative and professionalism, you won’t go far in this field.
“I think Burnley College does an amazing job of helping students develop those essentials.”
Ms Gordon was ‘impressed’ by the ambition of the students at Burnley College.
She said: “So many of them already have a clear vision of where they want to go, with the majority looking beyond being a teaching assistant, setting their sights on becoming teachers or other roles where they can really make a difference.
“That aspiration, that drive to challenge themselves, is what will allow them to succeed.”
T Levels, launched in 2020, combines classroom tuition with at least 315 hours of real-world work placement.
Burnley College early years tutor Tina Anadkat believes this makes T Levels an ‘exciting pathway.’
She said: “We prepare learners for the real world – how to communicate, present themselves professionally and take the initiative.”
Ms Gordon praised Burnley College’s commitment to tailoring the T Level curriculum and teaching assistant qualifications to real-world needs.
She said: “Burnley College is really ahead of the game, ensuring that what’s taught aligns perfectly with what employers need.”