Courses to work in schools, education or childcare 

Our free courses * can help you get ahead if you’re looking to work in a school, college or childcare provider. From exploring different jobs working with children to getting the job you want, we’ve got you covered. We have government-funded online courses for teaching assistants and nursery courses.  

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Working with children and young people

Find out about the wide range of jobs available in schools and build the skills you need to kickstart your career. Working in schools can be very rewarding. From lunchtime supervisors to teaching assistants, you’ll have a positive impact on young people’s lives.  

From helping out in schools to paid work

These courses are useful if you are volunteering or plan to work in education, as they help you gain more knowledge. We do a range of courses from short tasters to a free Level two teaching assistant qualification. 

Start a career in childcare

Explore work in childcare and discover the range of roles you can do in a childcare setting. Learn about early years education and what it is like to work with children. Find courses near you or look at our range of online childcare courses.  

Give yourself a boost

Build skills for childcare and schools. Develop your knowledge of special education needs (SEN), so you can support children with autism in education. Give yourself a boost when looking for dinner lady jobs or other jobs in a school.  

Jobseekers, career changers, and those already working in schools or nurseries - find your course today to build your skills. 

*Over 90% of applicants for skills courses do not need to pay a fee. Subject to status - courses are free for unemployed people, job seekers and people on low wage. If you do not qualify you will be alerted during the application process.

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SWAP Introduction to Support Work in Schools

Would you like to help children gain confidence in their reading as well as English and maths? Then this may be the course for you. You will learn a range of strategies to help children in schools or your own children at home to become more confident in their ability. This course is ideal for anyone looking to progress onto work or volunteering in an education setting.
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Course Information

Dates:
Mon 20/11/2023 -
Wed 13/12/2023
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
8 sessions
Tutor:
Paula Hellal
Course code:
Q00010242
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
6 places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £75.00

Supporting Autistic Children & Teens

Having a child or loved one receive an autism diagnosis can be worrying and unsettling. It’s difficult to know how best to support autistic children’s needs without external guidance. This autism course can teach you how to offer support to help autistic young people live healthy and fulfilling lives. This taster course is ideal for you if you have regular contact with autistic children or teenagers. It is aimed at parents, family members, community workers, or volunteers who interact closely with autistic kids. It can be useful both if you are going through diagnosis, and also if you feel you need extra resources to help support a developing autistic child.
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Course Information

Dates:
Mon 04/12/2023 -
Wed 13/12/2023
Times:
12:00pm - 2:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Tutor:
Laura Howsen
Course code:
Q00009553
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
(Waiting list)
Fee range
Free to £29.60

Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges Level 2

If you enjoy the buzz of learning environments, this qualification can teach you key skills for employment in a school or college. This government-funded course prepares you for a variety of roles. It provides the basic skills and knowledge necessary to work in admin, technical, or support roles in a learning environment. Studying support work in schools at level 2 can be a first step towards working with kids in teaching positions. It also provides you with the qualifications needed to work in admin at schools. No matter what role you’re interested in, this course can teach you skills for employability in schools and colleges.
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Course Information

Dates:
Mon 04/12/2023 -
Wed 12/06/2024
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
42 sessions
Tutor:
Paula Hellal
Course code:
Q00012064
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

Intro to Careers in Education

Embark on an explorative journey with our "Intro to Careers in Education" course, which offers a dynamic overview of diverse roles within education and the different pathways you can follow to get there. Guiding learners through the possibilities of teaching, administration, student support and more. Discover the essential skills and qualifications needed for each path. Uncover your strengths and challenges while considering a selection of courses and pathways to kick-start your journey. From teacher certification programs to educational support courses, this comprehensive introduction equips you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your educational career. Take the first step towards considering a fulfilling profession in education by enrolling in this enlightening course.
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Course Information

Dates:
Thu 07/12/2023 -
Fri 15/12/2023
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Tutor:
Suzanne Locke
Course code:
Q00013046
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £75.00

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Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
WEA Membership

Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges Level 2

If you enjoy the buzz of learning environments, this qualification can teach you key skills for employment in a school or college. This government-funded course prepares you for a variety of roles. It provides the basic skills and knowledge necessary to work in admin, technical, or support roles in a learning environment. Studying support work in schools at level 2 can be a first step towards working with kids in teaching positions. It also provides you with the qualifications needed to work in admin at schools. No matter what role you’re interested in, this course can teach you skills for employability in schools and colleges.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 08/01/2024 -
Fri 09/02/2024
Times:
9:45am - 2:15pm
Duration:
25 sessions
Location:
The Training Room
The Main Place
Old Sta Way
Coleford
GL16 8RH
Tutor:
Phill Hucks
Course code:
Q00012224
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

Intro to Careers in Education

Embark on an explorative journey with our "Intro to Careers in Education" course, which offers a dynamic overview of diverse roles within education and the different pathways you can follow to get there. Guiding learners through the possibilities of teaching, administration, student support and more. Discover the essential skills and qualifications needed for each path. Uncover your strengths and challenges while considering a selection of courses and pathways to kick-start your journey. From teacher certification programs to educational support courses, this comprehensive introduction equips you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your educational career. Take the first step towards considering a fulfilling profession in education by enrolling in this enlightening course.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 08/01/2024 -
Tue 16/01/2024
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Tutor:
Suzanne Locke
Course code:
Q00013047
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £75.00

Award in Education and Training Level 3

Kickstart your education career with this introductory teaching qualification. Experience the buzz of learning environments and get a view into the profession. Learn essential teaching skills and open doors to further education jobs in this Education and Training course. This course prepares you for teaching jobs working with adults. These can include roles as a tutor, learning assistant, teaching assistant, or trainer in universities, Sixth Form colleges, or other adult learning settings. This Level 3 Award in Teaching and Education is the first step towards a fulfilling career in teaching. If you want to get a teaching qualification, this foundational course can give you a taste of the industry before you move onto higher level qualifications.
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 09/01/2024 -
Tue 26/03/2024
Times:
9:30am - 2:30pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
WEA Regional Office Training Room (Liver
405 The Cotton Exchange Buildi
Bixteth Street
Liverpool
L3 9JR
Tutor:
Gillian Hunt
Course code:
Q00012590
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £600.00

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Early Years Numeracy and Literacy

In this course, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of supporting numeracy and literacy development in children under the age of 5. They will acquire a toolkit of effective strategies aimed at enhancing children's comprehension of mathematical concepts, as well as fostering speech, language, and literacy skills. Learners will explore how to use games and activities to make learning mathematics and literacy an enjoyable and engaging experience for children. By the course's conclusion, learners will be well-prepared to employ these practical tools, ensuring that young children not only develop strong foundational skills in math and literacy but also find these subjects fun and engaging.
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 10/01/2024 -
Wed 31/01/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Norwich Central Baptist Church (Norwich)
Duke Street
Norwich
NR3 3AP
Tutor:
Laura Howsen
Course code:
Q00012685
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.60

Certificate in Introducing Caring for Children and Young People Level 2

f you enjoy working with children and young people, this childcare course can help you learn employability skills to work in this area. Get skills for your CV and gain confidence providing care for children in various settings. This course covers a range of childcare situations. You can study childcare and education, babysitting, or parenting responsibilities. It can help you decide if a career in child care is right for you. This is the ideal course for you if you want to turn a babysitting side job into a career. It’s also helpful for new parents getting to grips with parenting.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 11/01/2024 -
Thu 09/05/2024
Times:
9:15am - 1:15pm
Duration:
15 sessions
Location:
Brinsworth Manor Junior School (Rotherha
Brinsworth Lane
Brinsworth
Rotherham
S60 5BX
Tutor:
Julie Berg
Course code:
Q00012600
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £362.00

Certificate in Introducing Caring for Children and Young People Level 2

If you enjoy working with children and young people, this childcare course can help you learn employability skills to work in this area. Get skills for your CV and gain confidence providing care for children in various settings. This course covers a range of childcare situations. You can study childcare and education, babysitting, or parenting responsibilities. It can help you decide if a career in child care is right for you. This is the ideal course for you if you want to turn a babysitting side job into a career. It’s also helpful for new parents getting to grips with parenting. This will be a Hybird course with 4 face-to-face sessions running in Norwich on 11th January, 8th February, 21st March and 18th July 2024 at the Norwich Central Baptist Church, Duke Street Norwich NR3 3AP
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 11/01/2024 -
Thu 18/07/2024
Times:
9:30am - 2:30pm
Duration:
24 sessions
Tutor:
Laura Howsen
Course code:
Q00012512
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £362.00