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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Paediatric First Aid

Do you help out at a school or youth centre? If you volunteer in a setting with children, it’s important to have an understanding of basic paediatric first aid. This paediatric first aid course gives you an introduction to the essential life-saving skills that can make all the difference in an emergency situation. This course is ideal for you if you work informally with children, toddlers, or babies. It is useful in a variety of settings, including sports halls, community hubs, and youth centres. It is also perfect for new parents who want to understand basic first aid to look after their children.
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 26/11/2024 -
Tue 17/12/2024
Times:
12:30pm - 3:30pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
St Matthews Neighbourhood Cntr (Library)
10 Malabar Road
Leicester
LE1 2PD
Tutor:
Chantal Ngounou
Course code:
Q00017254
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
3 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.40

Introduction to Early Years Settings

This introductory course is for anyone who wants to develop a basic knowledge of working with children up to the age of 5 in early years’ settings such as nurseries or pre-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.
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 26/11/2024 -
Tue 17/12/2024
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Woodpecker Hall Academy (London)
North Star Community Trust
Cuckoo Hall Lane
London
N9 8DR
Tutor:
Bimbola Olawanle
Course code:
Q00011946
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £75.00

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.
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 27/11/2024 -
Wed 25/06/2025
Times:
9:30am - 3:00pm
Duration:
26 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Bimbola Olawanle
Course code:
Q00017469
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
6 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

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.
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 27/11/2024 -
Wed 30/07/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
29 sessions
Location:
Woodpecker Hall Academy (London)
North Star Community Trust
Cuckoo Hall Lane
London
N9 8DR
Tutor:
Martha Agyei
Course code:
Q00010455
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
(Waiting list)
Fee range
Free to £225.00

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

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Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

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.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 11/12/2024 -
Tue 03/06/2025
Location:
Todmorden Learning Centre (Todmorden)
Burnley Road
Todmorden
OL14 7BX
Course code:
Q00018425
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Information and study skills for level 2

This course is essential for learners who are learning via online and using the Canvas as a virtual learning environment. The course will cover essential skills such as how to log onto the canvas, how to to upload assignments on the canvas, send emails using the canvas inbox and use zoom. This training equips you with essential skills on how to learn effectively using the canvas and zoom applications. By the end of the course, you'll be both confident and proficient in using the features on both the canvas and zoom to successfully complete your learning online. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/01/2025 -
Tue 11/02/2025
Times:
10:00am - 3:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Dolphin Women's Centre (Birmingham)
Ward End Park
Washwood Heath Road
Birmingham
B8 2HB
Tutor:
Kailash Parekh
Course code:
Q00015649
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £147.00

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.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/01/2025 -
Tue 01/04/2025
Times:
9:00am - 5:00pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Hull CVS
The Strand
75 Beverley Road
Hull
HU3 1XL
Tutor:
Catherine Wilcock
Course code:
Q00018162
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ 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.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/01/2025 -
Tue 01/04/2025
Location:
Hull CVS
The Strand
75 Beverley Road
Hull
HU3 1XL
Course code:
Q00018163
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

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
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/01/2025 -
Thu 06/03/2025
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
18 sessions
Location:
St Andrews St Baptist Ch (Cambridge)
43 St. Andrews Street
Cambridge
CB2 3AR
Tutor:
Paula Hellal
Course code:
Q00015751
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00

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.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 07/01/2025 -
Tue 13/05/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00018526
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
2 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £177.60