October 2026 Update for Early Years and Child Development

Teaching, Learning and Assessment for 2026/2027

Your new Termtime Check point and Key dates Guide is here

This guide brings together all the important milestones, deadlines and actions you'll need throughout the year.

But it's more than a list of dates; you'll also find a round-up of the guidance, training, resources and support available across the academic year, along with opportunities to join us at events and webinars designed to help you stay informed and connected. 

We recommend bookmarking the guide and coming back to it throughout the year. Share it with exams officers, quality nominees, teachers and other colleagues involved in delivery so everyone understands what's coming up, what's expected and where to go for help. 

Termtime Check points and Key Dates

Coming soon

V Levels and post 16 Qualification reforms

What are the new qualifications? 

The reformed landscape - V Levels, T Levels and A Levels - is designed to create clearer routes for learners and simplify progression pathways. At Level 2 and Level 3, qualifications will be grouped into distinct categories, each with a specific purpose and progression outcome.

Explore the qualification types

Understanding what's changing and what comes next

Qualification reform is reshaping the post-16 landscape in England.

Whether you're reviewing your curriculum, planning future delivery or supporting learner progression, it's important to understand what is changing, when it is happening and what it means for your organisation.To stay informed on the latest post-16 vocational reforms including the introduction of V Levels, Foundation Certificates, Occupational Certificates, BTEC funding and guidance, visit our V Levels and post-16 vocational qualifications page.

There will be changes to Early Years qualifications from September 2027. 

Read more about what's changing

Reform Briefings

Sign up for one of our live sector-specific webinars to get the latest details about how and when post-16 vocational reforms will affect your subject area. You'll be updated on funding of current qualifications, regulatory requirements that will govern new content and assessments, and timelines for transition.

Book your place

Tech Award Child Development

Key Dates for 2026/27

There is a new key dates schedule for the Tech Awards with all the important dates that you will need for the year. 

Key Dates Schedule 26/27

Component 1 and 2 PSA

The latest PSAs were released on 7 September and for the May/June moderation window.  You can find them on the web page under Internal Assessment (PSA)

Tech Award Child Development

New resources

After results you can now see the Lead Examiner Report for Component 3 and the Lead Moderator Reports for Component 1 and 2. These contain valuable information about the assessments and have examples of students work. You can use these to help prepare your students. 

Find them under External Assessment and Internal Assessment on the website. 

New Centre Standardisation Material

BTEC Nationals (2016) AAQ (2025)

We have added new Centre Standardisation Material for all qualifications. You will find them on the web page under Internal Assessment.Please note there are two documents one for CSM and the Commentary. 

Updated forms

BTEC Nationals, AAQs and Tech Award

We updated the Assessment Record Template to better reflect the use of AI in assessments. Please ensure you are using the most up to date version of the form. 

BTEC Forms and Guides

New for 2026 Digital Assessment Plan

Digital Assessment Plans for Nationals(2016), AAQs and BTEC First

New cohorts for September 2026 will need a Digital Assessment plan. You can see how it all works and attend a live training event or just drop in if you have questions. 

See live events and book you place

Read the Centre User Guide Digital Assessment Plan