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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Foundations in Working in Early Years, Schools, and Colleges

This course is funded by the Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities. Foundations in Working in Early Years, Schools and Colleges gives you an introduction to the key principles and expectations of working in these three different education settings. You’ll explore the unique needs of young children in early years environments, including the importance of play-based learning, warm and nurturing interactions, and creating safe, inclusive spaces where children can grow and thrive. You’ll also learn about the roles, responsibilities, and professional skills needed to support teaching and learning in primary and secondary schools. This includes understanding how classrooms work, helping pupils make progress, and working together with teachers to create positive learning experiences. The course also introduces you to the structure and expectations of college settings, where learners are more independent and follow a wider range of academic and vocational pathways. You’ll develop an understanding of how support roles change to meet the needs of older learners and how you can contribute to a successful post 16 learning experience. Throughout the course, you’ll take part in practical discussions and interactive activities that help you build a clear overview of what it’s like to work in each setting. You’ll start to identify which pathway best matches your strengths and interests. This course is ideal if you’re exploring career options, returning to work, or thinking about moving into education. It also provides guidance on your next steps, including further training and possible employment opportunities.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 10/09/2026 -
Thu 03/12/2026
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Phoenix House
1 King Street
Leicester
LE1 6RN
Tutor:
TBC T.B.C
Course code:
Q00027355
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £192.00

Foundations in Support Work in Schools and Colleges

This course is funded by the Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities. This Foundation Course in Support Work in Schools and Colleges introduces you to the role of support staff in education. It’s designed for beginners who want to help teachers and support children, young people, or adults in learning settings. You’ll learn how schools and colleges work and explore the different roles that support teaching and learning. The course covers the basics, including communication, teamwork, creating a positive learning environment, and understanding the needs of different learners. Through simple activities, discussions, and practical tasks, you’ll build confidence and get a clear picture of what support work involves. You’ll also learn about respect, inclusion, and how to help learners feel safe and supported. Throughout the course, you’ll reflect on your own skills and interests and think about possible next steps, such as volunteering, further training, or working toward a qualification in supporting teaching and learning.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 11/09/2026 -
Fri 04/12/2026
Location:
Phoenix House
1 King Street
Leicester
LE1 6RN
Course code:
Q00027456
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £192.00

Understanding Safeguarding for Children and Young People

This course is funded by the Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities. This 12‑hour course introduces adults to the key principles of safeguarding children and young people. Across six 2‑hour sessions, learners explore how to recognise signs of abuse or neglect, understand their responsibilities, and respond appropriately when concerns arise. The course covers types of harm, safe professional boundaries, online safety, early help, and how to report or escalate concerns. Through discussion, case studies and practical scenarios, learners build confidence in identifying risks, supporting children’s wellbeing, and knowing what actions to take to keep children and young people safe.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 22/09/2026 -
Mon 28/09/2026
Times:
9:30am - 3:30pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Phoenix House
1 King Street
Leicester
LE1 6RN
Tutor:
Chantal Ngounou
Course code:
Q00027551
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £96.00

Certificate in Introducing Caring for Children and Young People Level 2

This course is funded by the Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities.  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.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 26/10/2026 -
Tue 26/01/2027
Times:
9:30am - 2:30pm
Duration:
24 sessions
Location:
Phoenix House
1 King Street
Leicester
LE1 6RN
Tutor:
Chantal Ngounou
Course code:
Q00027556
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £936.00

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

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Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Understanding Safeguarding for Children and Young People

This course is funded by the Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities. This 12‑hour course introduces adults to the key principles of safeguarding children and young people. Across six 2‑hour sessions, learners explore how to recognise signs of abuse or neglect, understand their responsibilities, and respond appropriately when concerns arise. The course covers types of harm, safe professional boundaries, online safety, early help, and how to report or escalate concerns. Through discussion, case studies and practical scenarios, learners build confidence in identifying risks, supporting children’s wellbeing, and knowing what actions to take to keep children and young people safe.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 03/11/2026 -
Tue 17/11/2026
Times:
9:30am - 1:30pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Whitehawk
Whitehawk Road
Brighton and Hove
BN2 5NS
Tutor:
TBC T.B.C
Course code:
Q00027583
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Funding available - £96.00