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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Step into Child Development and Well Being Level 2

Level 2 Step into Child Development and Well-Being is ideal for those wanting to work with children from birth to age five. These topics cover basic skills you need to know about the development and care of younger children and are ideal for those thinking or preparing to work in early years settings such as nurseries and preschools, as well as those looking to become a childminder or nanny. If you would like to enrol onto this course, please attend the open day at St Matthew's on Friday 19 April between 9.30 am to 12.30 pm.
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Course Information

Dates:
Fri 26/04/2024 -
Fri 12/07/2024
Times:
9:30am - 1:30pm
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
St Matthews Neighbourhood Cntr (Library)
10 Malabar Road
Leicester
LE1 2PD
Tutor:
Ayman Ali
Course code:
Q00014270
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
6 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: 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. Join us online for this 4 week course to find out support work in schools.
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Course Information

Dates:
Mon 29/04/2024 -
Wed 29/05/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Paula Hellal
Course code:
Q00012818
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £59.20

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Introduction to support work in schools and colleges

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. Join us for this one day introduction course to find out more about working in schools and colleges in a support role and the Level 2 Award course in Supporting in Schools and Colleges.
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Course Information

Dates:
Thu 02/05/2024 -
Thu 02/05/2024
Times:
9:30am - 1:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Camborne Centenary Chapel (Camborne)
Wesley Street
Camborne
TR14 8HS
Tutor:
Pamela Rozentals
Course code:
Q00014578
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £16.80

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Preparing for the Support Role in Schools L3 Qualification

Have you completed a Level 2 helping in schools qualification? Then this bridging course is right for you. It will help to provide you with the necessary knowledge and study skills needed to successfully complete a Level 3 Qualification. It will also provide you with the opportunity to practice using these study skills as you move through the course. The tutor will guide you through each new skill using quizzes, case studies and related texts. You will get the chance to discuss each new topic with other learners, 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 a level 3 qualification.
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Course Information

Dates:
Thu 02/05/2024 -
Thu 16/05/2024
Times:
9:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Daubeney Children's Centre/ Primary Scho
103 Daubeney Road
Hackney
London
E5 0EG
Tutor:
Allison McClean
Course code:
Q00014900
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £31.50

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Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
WEA Membership

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Introduction to SEND

This short course will introduce you to what is meant by special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The course will provide an initial understanding of the spectrum of autistic disorders and how they can affect people in a variety of ways, as well as exploring the importance of a person-centred approach to provide support. It’s important to be aware of the range of special needs you can encounter when dealing with others. Special needs education courses can help you understand what to expect and how to support all learning needs.
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Course Information

Dates:
Fri 03/05/2024 -
Fri 21/06/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
7 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Natasha Abrams
Course code:
Q00014434
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £51.80

Award in Preparation for Work in Community Interpreting Level 2

Are you living in the Peterborough and Cambridgeshire area? The role of the community interpreter is an integral part of our changing communities and increasingly important. The interpreter acts as a bridge between communities and enables people to access the services they need and approach situations which otherwise would not be possible. The Level 2 Certificate in Preparing for the Community Interpreting Role enables learners who are speakers of other languages to develop the language and skills necessary to go on and train as Community Interpreters at Level 3 and Level 4. This is the ideal qualification for anyone who wants to enter the interpreting profession and become a paid interpreter or volunteer in the UK. This course is for people living in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough only. Please do not join the course if you live outside the area. Please check the website for other courses or call learner support on 0300 303 3464.
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 08/05/2024 -
Tue 16/07/2024
Times:
9:10am - 11:50am
Duration:
18 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Olena Kolesnyk
Course code:
Q00014589
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
6 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £300.00

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 13/05/2024 -
Mon 20/05/2024
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Samanta Barbot Freeman
Course code:
Q00009908
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
4 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £14.80

Personal Development: Study Skills - Level 3 Award in Education and Teaching

This distance learning course, using face to face online sessions using canvas the WEA's online learning platform, and is for anyone who wants to develop teaching skills and explore the roles and responsibilities of those in adult education. There is a skills check for the L3 Award in Education & Training course, our skills check is not a test, it is a way for us to help you start at the right place
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 14/05/2024 -
Wed 15/05/2024
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Sophie Fowkes
Course code:
Q00015099
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £22.20

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:
Thu 16/05/2024 -
Thu 18/07/2024
Times:
9:30am - 3:30pm
Duration:
17 sessions
Location:
Camborne Community Centre (Camborne)
South Terrace
Camborne
TR14 8SU
Tutor:
Pamela Rozentals
Course code:
Q00014031
How you'll learn:
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.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 16/05/2024 -
Wed 10/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 1:00pm
Duration:
17 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Sophie Fowkes
Course code:
Q00015060
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £300.00