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 Working in Schools & Colleges

Gain essential knowledge and skills to support children’s development and well-being in a school or college setting. This course will introduce you to key areas such as child development, safeguarding practices, and the importance of diversity, equality, and inclusion in education. You will also gain insight into the daily operations of educational institutions and the variety of roles available within them. Throughout the course, your tutor will assess your learning through engaging tasks such as creating leaflets, charts, diagrams, or information boards. Once you have completed the Introduction course, you can then progress onto our Level 1 Award in Preparing To work in Schools. This qualification prepares you for a range of school and college-based roles, including: ✔️ Learning Assistant ✔️ Technical Support Worker ✔️ Classroom Volunteer ✔️ Administrative Worker ✔️ Other On-Site Roles To fully participate, you will need internet access to use the WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas, where tutors will provide important resources and assignments. The WEA is dedicated to supporting adult learners and creating an inclusive learning environment. If you have any accessibility requirements, please let us know—we are committed to making education accessible and enjoyable for all.
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Course Information

Dates:
Thu 13/03/2025 -
Thu 03/04/2025
Times:
9:30am - 1:30pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
St Marys Community Centre (PONTEFRACT)
The Circle
Chequerfield
PONTEFRACT
WF8 2AY
Tutor:
Katie Croft
Course code:
Q00020246
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

Award in Education and Training Level 3

Kickstart your education career with this introductory teaching qualification. Experience the buzz of learning environments and get a view into the profession. Learn essential teaching skills and open doors to further education jobs in this Education and Training course. This course prepares you for teaching jobs working with adults. These can include roles as a tutor, learning assistant, teaching assistant, or trainer in universities, Sixth Form colleges, or other adult learning settings. This Level 3 Award in Teaching and Education is the first step towards a fulfilling career in teaching. If you want to get a teaching qualification, this foundational course can give you a taste of the industry before you move onto higher level qualifications.
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Course Information

Dates:
Fri 14/03/2025 -
Fri 04/07/2025
Times:
9:15am - 12:15pm
Duration:
16 sessions
Location:
Dolphin Women's Centre (Birmingham)
Ward End Park
Washwood Heath Road
Birmingham
B8 2HB
Tutor:
Fozia Aslam
Course code:
Q00021109
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
5 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £300.00

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 18/03/2025 -
Thu 24/07/2025
Times:
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Duration:
32 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Asia Bhatti
Course code:
Q00010848
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £355.20

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 24/03/2025 -
Wed 30/07/2025
Times:
9:30am - 12:00pm
Duration:
45 sessions
Location:
WEA York Court (Bristol)
7 York Court
Wilder Street
Bristol
BS2 8QH
Tutor:
Sasha Novikova
Course code:
Q00009609
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
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 Education and Training Level 3

Kickstart your education career with this introductory teaching qualification. Experience the buzz of learning environments and get a view into the profession. Learn essential teaching skills and open doors to further education jobs in this Education and Training course. This course prepares you for teaching jobs working with adults. These can include roles as a tutor, learning assistant, teaching assistant, or trainer in universities, Sixth Form colleges, or other adult learning settings. This Level 3 Award in Teaching and Education is the first step towards a fulfilling career in teaching. If you want to get a teaching qualification, this foundational course can give you a taste of the industry before you move onto higher level qualifications.
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Course Information

Dates:
Mon 24/03/2025 -
Mon 30/06/2025
Times:
10:00am - 2:00pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Gillian Hunt
Course code:
Q00021185
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £300.00

Award in Education and Training Level 3

Kickstart your education career with this introductory teaching qualification. Experience the buzz of learning environments and get a view into the profession. Learn essential teaching skills and open doors to further education jobs in this Education and Training course. This course prepares you for teaching jobs working with adults. These can include roles as a tutor, learning assistant, teaching assistant, or trainer in universities, Sixth Form colleges, or other adult learning settings. This Level 3 Award in Teaching and Education is the first step towards a fulfilling career in teaching. If you want to get a teaching qualification, this foundational course can give you a taste of the industry before you move onto higher level qualifications.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 04/04/2025 -
Fri 20/06/2025
Times:
10:00am - 2:00pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Radio Plus Media Hub (Coventry)
Hertford Place
Coventry
CV1 3JZ
Tutor:
Sophie Fowkes
Course code:
Q00021468
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £300.00

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:
Thu 24/04/2025 -
Thu 17/07/2025
Times:
10:00am - 4:00pm
Duration:
13 sessions
Location:
Camborne Community Centre (Camborne)
South Terrace
Camborne
TR14 8SU
Tutor:
Pamela Rozentals
Course code:
Q00016159
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:
Thu 24/04/2025 -
Thu 17/07/2025
Times:
9:30am - 1:30pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
St Marys Community Centre (PONTEFRACT)
The Circle
Chequerfield
PONTEFRACT
WF8 2AY
Tutor:
Katherine Croft
Course code:
Q00020258
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £225.00

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.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 28/04/2025 -
Mon 25/05/2026
Times:
9:30am - 2:30pm
Duration:
48 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Natasha Abrams
Course code:
Q00020247
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
4 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £1417.00

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.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Mon 09/06/2025 -
Tue 17/06/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
4 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Emma Paramor
Course code:
Q00018971
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £33.60