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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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.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 07/06/2024 -
Fri 07/06/2024
Times:
9:30am - 3:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Camborne Centenary Chapel (Camborne)
Wesley Street
Camborne
TR14 8HS
Tutor:
Pamela Rozentals
Course code:
Q00014570
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Supporting with moving on to primary school

This course is for parents and carers who have children in the early years who will be getting ready to move on to primary school. The course will help develop, explore and understand the process and tools required to make it a smooth transition for all. This will ensure the child gets the best possible start in their new setting and help make their learning experience positive. We will have the opportunity to find out about how the education system works in the UK & how to best support your child at home.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 07/06/2024 -
Fri 05/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Ann Tayler Children's Centre (Hackney)
1-13 Triangle Road
Off Westgate Street
Hackney
E8 3RP
Tutor:
Tracey Shackle
Course code:
Q00015240
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £92.40

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Communication Skills for Support Staff

This introductory course is for anyone who wants to develop a basic knowledge of working with children in settings such as nurseries or schools. You will understand the importance of communication and will gain confidence in applying skills and techniques that will engage children in their personal development. You will study activities that can stimulate children's growth and learning development in their early years. You will increase your confidence in caring for children in early years’ settings. To progress on to an accredited Early Years’ Course at the WEA, or other courses.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 21/06/2024 -
Fri 21/06/2024
Times:
9:30am - 3:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Camborne Centenary Chapel (Camborne)
Wesley Street
Camborne
TR14 8HS
Tutor:
Pamela Rozentals
Course code:
Q00014571
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: 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. Run in partnership with Sanctuary housing.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 25/06/2024 -
Tue 16/07/2024
Times:
10:00am - 2:00pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
King Edward Community Centre (Basildon)
Community Centre
Hunter Court, King Edward Road
Basildon
SS15 6GY
Tutor:
Paula Hellal
Course code:
Q00014782
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.40

WEA Membership

For just £15 a year, you can:

  • Join our popular, award-winning weekly lecture series,
  • Access an archive of over 100 past lectures,
  • Get priority online and phone booking for autumn courses (England only),
  • Receive our Highway magazine and access back issues,
  • Attend our members’ annual conference.

Just add us to your basket to sign up today!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
WEA Membership

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Managing Challenging Behaviour for Support Staff

As someone who works with children, it's likely that you have encountered challenging behaviour at some point in your career. It can be difficult to know how to deal with this sort of behaviour - research by the Department for Education in 2019 showed that it is a major reason for teachers to leave the profession. However, with the right knowledge and techniques - and the understanding that there is usually an underlying cause that needs to be identified and supported - you can handle challenging behaviour effectively, appropriately, and confidently.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 28/06/2024 -
Fri 28/06/2024
Times:
9:30am - 3:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Camborne Centenary Chapel (Camborne)
Wesley Street
Camborne
TR14 8HS
Tutor:
Pamela Rozentals
Course code:
Q00014575
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20

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.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 01/07/2024 -
Wed 24/07/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
8 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Paula Hellal
Course code:
Q00012822
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £59.20

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.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 12/07/2024 -
Fri 12/07/2024
Times:
9:30am - 3:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Camborne Centenary Chapel (Camborne)
Wesley Street
Camborne
TR14 8HS
Tutor:
Pamela Rozentals
Course code:
Q00014572
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.20



The courses below have already started, but are still available to book.

Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning Level 3

Get a teaching qualification to work in a variety of support roles in education. Learn knowledge and skills to work with children and young people. Get training in supporting teaching and learning in schools and colleges. You’ll learn a broad range of teaching skills for support roles in learning environments. This can help you to start work as a learning assistant, teaching assistant, or special needs assistant. Please note this course is GLA funded and is: For London learners only. This course includes a placement in London.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 15/04/2024 -
Mon 14/04/2025
Times:
9:30am - 2:30pm
Duration:
13 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Natasha Abrams
Course code:
Q00013273
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
2 places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £1417.00

Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning Level 3

Get a teaching qualification to work in a variety of support roles in education. Learn knowledge and skills to work with children and young people. Get training in supporting teaching and learning in schools and colleges. You’ll learn a broad range of teaching skills for support roles in learning environments. This can help you to start work as a learning assistant, teaching assistant, or special needs assistant. Please note this course is GLA funded and is: For London learners only. This course includes a placement in London.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 15/04/2024 -
Mon 14/04/2025
Times:
9:30am - 2:30pm
Duration:
13 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Natasha Abrams
Course code:
Q00013273
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
2 places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £1417.00

Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning Level 3

Get a teaching qualification to work in a variety of support roles in education. Learn knowledge and skills to work with children and young people. Get training in supporting teaching and learning in schools and colleges. You’ll learn a broad range of teaching skills for support roles in learning environments. This can help you to start work as a learning assistant, teaching assistant, or special needs assistant. Please note this course is GLA funded and is: For London learners only. This course includes a placement in London.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 15/04/2024 -
Mon 14/04/2025
Times:
9:30am - 2:30pm
Duration:
13 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Natasha Abrams
Course code:
Q00013273
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
2 places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £1417.00

Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning Level 3

Get a teaching qualification to work in a variety of support roles in education. Learn knowledge and skills to work with children and young people. Get training in supporting teaching and learning in schools and colleges. You’ll learn a broad range of teaching skills for support roles in learning environments. This can help you to start work as a learning assistant, teaching assistant, or special needs assistant. Please note this course is GLA funded and is: For London learners only. This course includes a placement in London.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 15/04/2024 -
Mon 14/04/2025
Times:
9:30am - 2:30pm
Duration:
13 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Natasha Abrams
Course code:
Q00013273
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
2 places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £1417.00

Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning Level 3

Get a teaching qualification to work in a variety of support roles in education. Learn knowledge and skills to work with children and young people. Get training in supporting teaching and learning in schools and colleges. You’ll learn a broad range of teaching skills for support roles in learning environments. This can help you to start work as a learning assistant, teaching assistant, or special needs assistant. Please note this course is GLA funded and is: For London learners only. This course includes a placement in London.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 15/04/2024 -
Mon 14/04/2025
Times:
9:30am - 2:30pm
Duration:
13 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Natasha Abrams
Course code:
Q00013273
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
2 places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £1417.00

Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning Level 3

Get a teaching qualification to work in a variety of support roles in education. Learn knowledge and skills to work with children and young people. Get training in supporting teaching and learning in schools and colleges. You’ll learn a broad range of teaching skills for support roles in learning environments. This can help you to start work as a learning assistant, teaching assistant, or special needs assistant. Please note this course is GLA funded and is: For London learners only. This course includes a placement in London.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 15/04/2024 -
Mon 14/04/2025
Times:
9:30am - 2:30pm
Duration:
13 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Natasha Abrams
Course code:
Q00013273
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
2 places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £1417.00

Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning Level 3

Get a teaching qualification to work in a variety of support roles in education. Learn knowledge and skills to work with children and young people. Get training in supporting teaching and learning in schools and colleges. You’ll learn a broad range of teaching skills for support roles in learning environments. This can help you to start work as a learning assistant, teaching assistant, or special needs assistant. Please note this course is GLA funded and is: For London learners only. This course includes a placement in London.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 15/04/2024 -
Mon 14/04/2025
Times:
9:30am - 2:30pm
Duration:
13 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Natasha Abrams
Course code:
Q00013273
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
2 places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £1417.00

Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning Level 3

Get a teaching qualification to work in a variety of support roles in education. Learn knowledge and skills to work with children and young people. Get training in supporting teaching and learning in schools and colleges. You’ll learn a broad range of teaching skills for support roles in learning environments. This can help you to start work as a learning assistant, teaching assistant, or special needs assistant. Please note this course is GLA funded and is: For London learners only. This course includes a placement in London.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 15/04/2024 -
Mon 14/04/2025
Times:
9:30am - 2:30pm
Duration:
13 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Natasha Abrams
Course code:
Q00013273
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
2 places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £1417.00

Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning Level 3

Get a teaching qualification to work in a variety of support roles in education. Learn knowledge and skills to work with children and young people. Get training in supporting teaching and learning in schools and colleges. You’ll learn a broad range of teaching skills for support roles in learning environments. This can help you to start work as a learning assistant, teaching assistant, or special needs assistant. Please note this course is GLA funded and is: For London learners only. This course includes a placement in London.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 15/04/2024 -
Mon 14/04/2025
Times:
9:30am - 2:30pm
Duration:
13 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Natasha Abrams
Course code:
Q00013273
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
2 places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £1417.00

Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning Level 3

Get a teaching qualification to work in a variety of support roles in education. Learn knowledge and skills to work with children and young people. Get training in supporting teaching and learning in schools and colleges. You’ll learn a broad range of teaching skills for support roles in learning environments. This can help you to start work as a learning assistant, teaching assistant, or special needs assistant. Please note this course is GLA funded and is: For London learners only. This course includes a placement in London.

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 15/04/2024 -
Mon 14/04/2025
Times:
9:30am - 2:30pm
Duration:
13 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Natasha Abrams
Course code:
Q00013273
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
2 places remaining
Status:
In progress
Fee range
Free to £1417.00