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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Preparation for Level 2 Caring for Children and Young People

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:
Wed 04/09/2024 -
Wed 18/09/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:30pm
Duration:
3 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Natasha Abrams
Course code:
Q00017559
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00

Preparation for Level 2 Caring for Children and Young People

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.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 04/09/2024 -
Wed 18/09/2024
Location:
Woodpecker Hall Academy (London)
North Star Community Trust
Cuckoo Hall Lane
London
N9 8DR
Course code:
Q00017558
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £150.00

Professional Development: Introduction to being a Teaching Assistant

Begin your journey towards a rewarding career in education with our Introduction to Being a Teaching Assistant course. Learn the essential skills and knowledge required to support teachers and students in the classroom. Ideal for individuals considering a career in education.
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Course Information

Dates:
Mon 09/09/2024 -
Mon 30/09/2024
Times:
9:45am - 2:45pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Todmorden Learning Centre (Todmorden)
Burnley Road
Todmorden
OL14 7BX
Tutor:
Asia Bhatti
Course code:
Q00018424
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

Personal Development: Getting Ready for Working in Schools

Prepare for a rewarding career in education with our Getting Ready for Working in Schools course. Learn essential skills and knowledge required to support teachers and students in the classroom. Ideal for individuals considering a career in education.
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Course Information

Dates:
Mon 09/09/2024 -
Tue 08/10/2024
Times:
10:30am - 12:30pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
New Hope Global (Birmingham)
Birchfield Library (2nd floor)
3 Trinity Road
Birmingham
B6 6AH
Tutor:
Saima Gulzar
Course code:
Q00018205
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
1 place remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

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

Award in Mental Health Awareness Level 1

Learn important skills and knowledge to help you support autistic people to live healthy and fulfilling lives. Whether you work in an education or support environment, or have autistic family or friends, this autism course can help you improve the support you give to autistic people. This level 2 autism course is useful for any job role where an understanding of autistic people’s needs is necessary. Autism level 2 courses build on your existing understanding. You will study definitions and nuances of autism. Understand the spectrum of diagnoses of autism. Learn how to communicate effectively with autistic people and how to support positive behaviour.
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 10/09/2024 -
Tue 15/07/2025
Location:
Tam O'Shanter Farm
25 Boundary Road
Prenton
Birkenhead
CH43 7PD
Course code:
Q00017422
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £362.00

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 10/09/2024 -
Tue 04/02/2025
Times:
9:30am - 2:00pm
Duration:
19 sessions
Location:
The Advice Store
5 Market Pavement
Basildon
SS14 1DD
Tutor:
Emma Paramor
Course code:
Q00018720
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

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:
Thu 12/09/2024 -
Thu 19/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
15 sessions
Location:
Camborne Community Centre (Camborne)
South Terrace
Camborne
TR14 8SU
Tutor:
Pamela Rozentals
Course code:
Q00016152
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:
Mon 16/09/2024 -
Mon 14/07/2025
Times:
9:30am - 11:30am
Duration:
34 sessions
Location:
Thornhill Primary
Clough Bank
Rotherham
S61 1TD
Tutor:
Julie Berg
Course code:
Q00017902
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

Schools, Parenting and Child Development: Get Ready for Award in Support Work in Schools

This course aims to prepare you for support work in Schools and Colleges. You'll gain an overview of the different kinds of education provisions, the needs of the children and / or young people, and be introduced to the importance of developing professional relationships.
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Course Information

Dates:
Mon 16/09/2024 -
Wed 29/01/2025
Location:
St Pauls Learning Centre (Bristol)
94 Grosvenor Road
St Pauls
Bristol
BS2 8XJ
Course code:
Q00009616
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
0 places remaining
Status:
(Waiting list)
Fee range
Free to £168.00

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.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 17/09/2024 -
Tue 08/10/2024
Location:
Woodpecker Hall Academy (London)
North Star Community Trust
Cuckoo Hall Lane
London
N9 8DR
Course code:
Q00011946
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £75.00