T-Levels Education and Early Years Syllabus

What is the difference between classical and operant conditioning?

Classical conditioning (Pavlov) is learning by association between two stimuli, producing an involuntary response. Operant conditioning (Skinner) is learning shaped by the consequences of behaviour through reinforcement and punishment.

In Skinner's operant conditioning, what is the difference between positive and negative reinforcement?

Positive reinforcement adds a pleasant stimulus to increase a behaviour (e.g. praise). Negative reinforcement removes an unpleasant stimulus to increase a behaviour (e.g. stopping a complaint when a task is done). Both increase the behaviour.

What does Bandura's Social Learning Theory state?

Children learn by observing and imitating models, especially those they identify with. The Bobo doll experiment showed children copy observed aggressive behaviour, demonstrating learning through observation and modelling rather than direct reinforcement alone.

What is Bowlby's attachment theory, and what did he mean by a 'critical period'?

Bowlby argued infants form a primary attachment to a caregiver that is essential for healthy emotional development. The critical period was roughly the first 2-3 years, during which attachment must form to avoid lasting harm (later described as a sensitive period).

Distinguish between nature and nurture as factors affecting development.

Nature refers to inherited, genetic and biological influences on development. Nurture refers to environmental influences such as upbringing, education, relationships and experiences. Most development results from interaction of both.

Give three environmental factors that can affect a child's development.

Poverty/socioeconomic status, housing conditions, family relationships and parenting style, access to nutrition and healthcare, and exposure to language and stimulation.

What is the difference between a developmental milestone and a developmental delay?

A milestone is a skill most children achieve by a typical age (e.g. walking by ~18 months). A developmental delay is when a child does not reach milestones within the expected timeframe, indicating possible additional support needs.

What is the observation, assessment and planning cycle in early years?

A continuous cycle: Observe the child, Assess (analyse what the observation shows about development), and Plan next steps and experiences. The cycle then repeats to track progress and inform provision.

Name three methods of observation used in early years settings.

Narrative/free description, time sample, event sample, checklists, sociograms, and learning journeys/photographic records.

What is the difference between formative and summative assessment in early years?

Formative (assessment for learning) is ongoing observation used to inform next steps day to day. Summative (assessment of learning) sums up progress at a point in time, such as the EYFS Profile at the end of Reception or the 2-year progress check.

What two statutory progress checks/assessments exist within the EYFS?

The progress check at age two and the EYFS Profile completed at the end of the Reception year.

Define safeguarding and distinguish it from child protection.

Safeguarding is the broad duty to promote children's welfare and prevent harm to all children. Child protection is the narrower set of activities to protect specific children who are suffering, or likely to suffer, significant harm.

Name the four main categories of child abuse.

Physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect.

What should a practitioner do if a child makes a disclosure of abuse?

Listen calmly without leading questions, reassure the child but do not promise confidentiality, do not interrupt or investigate, record exactly what was said as soon as possible, and report immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Who is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and what is their role?

The DSL is the named person in a setting responsible for managing safeguarding concerns, making referrals to children's social care, supporting staff, and keeping safeguarding records.

Which key piece of legislation governs health and safety in childcare settings, and what duty does it place on employers?

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. It requires employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of employees and others affected, including providing a safe environment and risk assessments.

What is a risk assessment and what are its basic steps?

A systematic process to identify hazards and reduce harm. Steps: identify the hazard, decide who might be harmed and how, evaluate the risk and existing controls, record findings and implement controls, then review and update regularly.

What is the difference between a hazard and a risk?

A hazard is something with the potential to cause harm. A risk is the likelihood that the hazard will cause harm, combined with the severity of that harm.

What does RIDDOR require settings to do?

RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) requires certain work-related injuries, diseases, near-misses and dangerous occurrences to be reported and recorded by law.

List the components of a balanced diet appropriate for promoting children's health.

Carbohydrates for energy, proteins for growth and repair, fats for energy and vitamins, vitamins and minerals for body functions, fibre for digestion, and water for hydration.

What is the difference between a notifiable disease and a common minor illness in a setting?

A notifiable disease (e.g. measles, whooping cough) must by law be reported to public health authorities and usually requires exclusion. Common minor illnesses (e.g. a mild cold) are managed within the setting following its health policy without statutory notification.

Why is positive partnership with parents and carers important?

Parents are a child's first and most enduring educators; partnership ensures consistency between home and setting, shares vital information about the child's needs, builds trust, supports transitions, and improves outcomes for the child.

Give three strategies for effective communication with parents and carers.

Daily verbal handovers, home-setting communication books/diaries or apps, regular parents' evenings and progress meetings, newsletters, and using interpreters or visual aids where there are language or communication barriers.

What is 'free-flow play' and why is it valued?

Free-flow play lets children move freely between indoor and outdoor environments and choose their own activities. It is valued because it supports child-led learning, independence, decision-making and sustained engagement.

Distinguish between structured (adult-led) and child-initiated play.

Adult-led play is planned and guided by the practitioner toward a learning objective. Child-initiated play is chosen and directed by the child, with the adult supporting and extending rather than directing. Effective practice balances both.

What are the stages of play described by Mildred Parten?

Unoccupied, solitary, onlooker, parallel, associative, and cooperative play, reflecting increasing social interaction as children develop.

What is the difference between receptive and expressive language?

Receptive language is the ability to understand words and language (listening/comprehension). Expressive language is the ability to produce and use language to communicate (speaking, gesturing, writing).

Give three strategies an adult can use to support early language and communication.

Modelling correct language, commentary/narrating play, open-ended questions, expanding on children's utterances, allowing thinking time, singing rhymes and sharing books, and getting down to the child's level for face-to-face interaction.

What is 'sustained shared thinking' and why does it matter for learning?

Sustained shared thinking is when two or more people (adult and child, or peers) work together to solve a problem, clarify a concept or extend a narrative. It deepens cognitive development and was identified by the EPPE research as a feature of high-quality settings.

Define positive behaviour support and give two strategies for promoting positive behaviour.

It is an approach that teaches and reinforces desired behaviour rather than simply punishing unwanted behaviour. Strategies include clear consistent boundaries and routines, praise and rewards for positive behaviour, positive role modelling, and distraction or redirection.

What are the basic principles of safely caring for babies, including safe sleep guidance?

Maintain hygiene and infection control, follow individual feeding and nappy routines, support attachment through responsive care, and follow safe sleep guidance: place babies on their back to sleep, feet to foot of the cot, in a smoke-free, appropriately warm environment to reduce the risk of SIDS.