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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Introduction to Helping in Schools - Level 1

If you are thinking about a career in teaching, this introductory course is for you. Teaching assistants are an integral part of the classroom. Not only do they provide vital support for pupils, but they also support the teaching that takes place. This course is ideal if you would like to know more about working as a teaching assistant. The role varies widely with some specialising in certain areas of education such as literacy, numeracy, music, specific learning needs and other disability support, English as a second language or behaviour. Teaching assistants can be found in schools for Early Years right through to secondary schools, and the number of TAs in one school can vary widely depending on necessity and amount of funding provided. This course will give you information about working as a teaching assistant (also known as a classroom assistant, a pupil support assistant, a teacher's aide, or abbreviated as a TA) and how you can provide support to teachers by providing teaching and learning support in whatever way possible.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 11/10/2024 -
Fri 29/11/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Ann Tayler Children's Centre (Hackney)
1-13 Triangle Road
Off Westgate Street
Hackney
E8 3RP
Tutor:
Tracey Shackle
Course code:
Q00011648
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £58.80

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.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 15/10/2024 -
Thu 13/03/2025
Times:
6:30pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
36 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Martha Agyei
Course code:
Q00018674
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Introduction to Helping in a School Level 2

Begin your journey towards a rewarding career in education with our Introduction to Helping in a School Level 2 course. Learn the essential skills and knowledge required to support teachers and students in the classroom. Ideal for individuals considering a career in education.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 15/10/2024 -
Tue 22/10/2024
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Pamela Rozentals
Course code:
Q00018528
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40

Preparing for the Support Role in Schools Level 2 Qualification

Have you completed an introductory or a Level 1 helping in schools course? Then this introductory course is right for you. It will provide you with the necessary knowledge and study skills needed to prepare you for a Level 2 course. It will also provide you with the opportunity to practice using study skills such as quizzes, case studies and related texts. You will get the chance to discuss new topics with other learners and, ask and answer questions. You will also be given a brief outline of what you will learn on your course. Your tutor will give you constructive feedback to ensure you are ready for your next stage of learning.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 22/10/2024 -
Tue 12/11/2024
Times:
9:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Natasha Abrams
Course code:
Q00017613
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £27.75

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Just add us to your basket to sign up today!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Support Work in Schools (Level 1)

Begin your journey towards a rewarding career in education with our Support Work in Schools (Level 1) course. Learn the essential skills and knowledge required to support teachers and students in the classroom. Ideal for individuals considering a career in education.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 22/10/2024 -
Tue 04/03/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
16 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Swati Lahiri
Course code:
Q00018526
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £177.60

Preparation for Level 2 Caring for Children and Young People

Have you completed an introductory or a Level 1 helping in schools’ course? Then this introductory course is right for you. It will provide you with the necessary knowledge and study skills needed to prepare you for a Level 2 course. It will also provide you with the opportunity to practice using study skills such as quizzes, case studies and related texts. You will get the chance to discuss new topics with other learners and, ask and answer questions. You will also be given a brief outline of what you will learn on your course. Your tutor will give you constructive feedback to ensure you are ready for your next stage of learning.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 23/10/2024 -
Wed 13/11/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:30pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Natasha Abrams
Course code:
Q00017559
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00

Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges Level 2

Would you like to help children gain confidence in their reading as well as English and maths? Then this course is for you. No matter what role you are interested in, this course can teach you skills that will help you gain employment in a school or college. It will provide you with the basic skills and knowledge necessary to work in an administration, technical, or support role in a learning environment. Studying support work in schools at level 2 can be a first step towards working with children in teaching positions.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 23/10/2024 -
Thu 20/03/2025
Times:
11:30am - 2:00pm
Duration:
36 sessions
Location:
Woodpecker Hall Academy (London)
North Star Community Trust
Cuckoo Hall Lane
London
N9 8DR
Tutor:
Swati Lahiri
Course code:
Q00010455
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

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. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 24/10/2024 -
Thu 30/01/2025
Times:
9:30am - 1:30pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Gillian Hunt
Course code:
Q00015516
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
£300.00

Introduction to Helping in Schools

Begin your journey towards a rewarding career in education with our Introduction to Helping in Schools course. Learn the essential skills and knowledge required to support teachers and students in the classroom. Ideal for individuals considering a career in education.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 29/10/2024 -
Tue 10/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
WEA (Leicester)
101 Hinckley Road
Leicester
LE3 0TD
Tutor:
Mariam Sidat
Course code:
Q00017252
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £58.80

Award in Preparing to Work in Schools Level 1

Get a view into the enriching world of teaching and learning. If you’d like to work in a school, with kids or in an admin role, this course is the perfect first step. Whether you plan to get a teaching qualification or just want a taster into the school environment, this course can teach you essential skills employers look for in school staff. In this course you’ll learn foundational concepts for working in a learning environment. It can help you decide whether a job at a school is right for you

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 04/11/2024 -
Wed 11/12/2024
Location:
St Andrews St Baptist Ch (Cambridge)
43 St. Andrews Street
Cambridge
CB2 3AR
Course code:
Q00015749
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00