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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Schools, Parenting and Child Development: SWAP Introduction to Helping in Schools Level 1

Begin your journey towards a rewarding career in education with our SWAP Introduction to Helping 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:
Mon 20/01/2025 -
Mon 10/02/2025
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Norwich Central Baptist Church (Norwich)
Duke Street
Norwich
NR3 3AP
Tutor:
Laura Howsen
Course code:
Q00018994
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: SWAP Introduction to Helping in Schools Level 1

Begin your journey towards a rewarding career in education with our SWAP Introduction to Helping 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:
Mon 20/01/2025 -
Thu 23/01/2025
Location:
Ipswich County Library
Northgate Street
Ipswich
IP1 3DE
Course code:
Q00018995
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: SWAP Introduction to Helping in Schools Level 1

Begin your journey towards a rewarding career in education with our SWAP Introduction to Helping 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:
Mon 20/01/2025 -
Thu 23/01/2025
Location:
Charles Burrell Centre
Staniforth Road
Thetford
IP24 3EA
Course code:
Q00018999
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Support your child with Maths and English

Support your child's education with our Support Your Child with Maths and English course. Learn effective strategies and techniques to assist your child with their homework. Ideal for parents and carers looking to enhance their child's academic success.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 22/01/2025 -
Wed 29/01/2025
Location:
Ipswich County Library
Northgate Street
Ipswich
IP1 3DE
Course code:
Q00018964
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.60

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For just £15 a year, you can:

  • Join our popular, award-winning weekly lecture series,
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  • Attend our members’ annual conference.

Just add us to your basket to sign up today!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Employability for Schools

In this course you will learn about the responsibilities and expectations required of school staff as well as understand employment options available. This will enable you to make informed choices about the work experience and longer term schools based employment options available to you. You will also learn about the behaviour and responsibilities expected of school staff. Schools benefit from a variety of different staff that support the learning and welfare of pupils. In addition to the main teacher in each classroom, there are many other jobs inside and outside of lessons that contribute to how a school runs and how pupils learn. These jobs are typically called support roles, and make up half of the workforce in schools.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 27/01/2025 -
Wed 29/01/2025
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
St Pauls Learning Centre (Bristol)
94 Grosvenor Road
St Pauls
Bristol
BS2 8XJ
Tutor:
Andrew Read
Course code:
Q00011604
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £30.00

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:
Fri 31/01/2025 -
Fri 27/06/2025
Location:
Ann Tayler Children's Centre (Hackney)
1-13 Triangle Road
Off Westgate Street
Hackney
E8 3RP
Course code:
Q00017734
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Get Ready for Award in Support Work in Schools

This course aims to prepare you for support work in Schools and Colleges. You'll gain an overview of the different kinds of education provisions, the needs of the children and / or young people, and be introduced to the importance of developing professional relationships.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 04/02/2025 -
Fri 28/02/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
16 sessions
Location:
St Pauls Learning Centre (Bristol)
94 Grosvenor Road
St Pauls
Bristol
BS2 8XJ
Tutor:
Matthew Burrows
Course code:
Q00009888
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £126.00

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:
Fri 28/02/2025 -
Fri 25/07/2025
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
20 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Sharon Reay
Course code:
Q00018974
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

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 18/03/2025 -
Thu 24/07/2025
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
32 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Paula Hellal
Course code:
Q00010848
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £355.20

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Support your child with Maths and English

Support your child's education with our Support Your Child with Maths and English course. Learn effective strategies and techniques to assist your child with their homework. Ideal for parents and carers looking to enhance their child's academic success.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 19/03/2025 -
Wed 26/03/2025
Times:
9:30am - 1:30pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Ipswich County Library
Northgate Street
Ipswich
IP1 3DE
Tutor:
Laura Howsen
Course code:
Q00018965
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.60