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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Introduction to Teaching and Training

This practical course aims to provide students with an introduction to issues connected with learning, teaching, training and assessment of adults in a supportive environment. Participants are asked to prepare a short presentation as well as using self and peer evaluation.
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 03/12/2024 -
Sat 05/07/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
Q00017639
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £50.00

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:
Tue 03/12/2024 -
Tue 20/05/2025
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: Preparing for the Support Role in Schools L2 Qualification

Have you completed an introductory or a Level 1 helping in schools’ course? Then this introductory course is right for you. It will provide you with the necessary knowledge and study skills needed to prepare you for a Level 2 course. It will also provide you with the opportunity to practice using study skills such as quizzes, case studies and related texts. You will get the chance to discuss new topics with other learners and, 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 your next stage of learning.
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Course Information

Dates:
Thu 12/12/2024 -
Thu 19/12/2024
Times:
9:30am - 1:15pm
Duration:
2 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Bimbola Olawanle
Course code:
Q00017421
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £27.75

Safeguarding Support in Schools

Ensure the safety and well-being of students with our Safeguarding Support in Schools course. Learn key principles and practices for safeguarding children in educational settings. Ideal for school staff and volunteers committed to child protection.
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 18/12/2024 -
Wed 18/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 2:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Emmanuel Church Aylsham (Aylsham)
Cawston Road
Aylsham
NR11 6BX
Tutor:
Laura Howsen
Course code:
Q00018603
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £25.00

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!

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Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

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.
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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

L2 Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges Programme

This helping in schools programme is designed to help you gain the knowledge and skills to successfully complete your level 2 award in support work in schools and colleges. It consists of two parts, the main qualification which will be taught in the morning, followed by a short study skills session to support your learning. This qualification will teach you key skills for employment in a school or college. This course prepares you for a variety of roles. It provides the basic skills and knowledge necessary to work in administration, technical, or support roles in a learning environment. Studying support work in schools at level 2 can be a first step towards working with children in teaching positions. The confidence training will prepare you to feel comfortable stepping back into the classroom. This part of the course will help you bridge the gaps in your confidence and overcome the obstacles standing in your way to get back into learning.
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 08/01/2025 -
Wed 14/05/2025
Location:
Online
Course code:
P00000111
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available

Working as a Teaching Assistant - Pathways Taster

If you are thinking about a career in teaching, this taster course is for you. Teaching assistants are an integral part of the classroom. Not only do they provide vital support for pupils, they support the teaching that takes place. This course is ideal if you would like to know more about becoming a teaching assistant. The role varies widely with some specialising in certain areas such as specific learning needs and other disability support.
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Course Information

Dates:
Wed 08/01/2025 -
Wed 08/01/2025
Times:
9:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Bimbola Olawanle
Course code:
Q00010520
How you'll learn:
Online and in venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £11.10